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Mrs. Elvera A. Merren, age 89, of Greenville, passed away Thursday afternoon, April 22, 2010 under the loving care of her family, Spectrum Health Hospice, and the staff of Green Acres Assisted Living. The daughter of Hans Christian & Anna Katherine (Jensen) Hansen, she was born on March 29, 1921 in Greenville.
On May 25, 1940, in Greenville, Elvera married David R. Merren, Sr. She and Dave were married for 64 years and were members of St. Charles Catholic Church. Elvera’s family will always remember her as an innately kind and generous person, a wonderful cook, creative, and playful. As a child she often entertained others with plays she and her friends created and her exceptional acrobatics. She always had a precious place in her heart for her twin sister, Elveda.
As a young woman she did local modeling and her style and beauty were a real inspiration to many. Elvera enjoyed writing poetry, decorating, and other creative activities and delighted in receiving gifts… her face lighting up like a child’s on Christmas. She loved children and animals and had a special place in her heart for her dog, Shadow.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, David R. Merren, Sr. on Sept. 16, 2004; two brothers, J.B. Hansen and Clifford Hansen; three sisters, Elveda Virginia Hansen (her twin), Gladys Sass, and Lenora Shank; a great grandson, Nicholas Robert Hollenbeck; and a grandson-in-law, Kyle Boss.
Surviving are her children, Loy & Bob Hollenbeck and Randy & Mary Merren, Larke & Mike Winegard, all of Greenville, and Nevin Horn of Kentwood; ten grandchildren and their families, Bret & Lorie Hollenbeck, Bart Hollenbeck, Blake & Shirley Hollenbeck, Trevor Merren, Traci & Jeremy Lawrence, Adriane & Dr. Shawn Ruth, Ben & Cortne Winegard, Bo Winegard, Destiny & Ryan Gorby, and Whitney Boss and her fiance Hanson Hackbardt; fifteen great grandchildren; a very special sister-in-law, Kate Hansen of Greenville; a dear sister-in-law, Francis Merren of Greenville; dear cousins, Bruce & Sally Merren of Greenville; devoted friends, Bob & Delores Rich of Belding; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 26, 2010 at St. Charles Catholic Church, Greenville, where the family will receive relatives and friends from 10-11 a.m. Father Phil Salmonowicz will preside and the Rite of Committal will follow at St. Charles Catholic Cemetery.
For those wishing to make a contribution in Elvera’s memory, the family suggests Spectrum Health Hospice… which helps so many people.
To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Elveras online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.christiansen-fh.com The Christiansen Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Greenville, is entrusted with the arrangements.
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Guestbook
Doug and Tami Hutson
I can remember 45 years ago or so when when my Grandpa Claude would take me over to your Dad’s house on Coffren St. to talk Christmas trees with your dad. I remember seeing your mom’s smiling face. That’s what I remember about her and will continue to, her ready smile.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you and the family adjust to Mom not being here anymore.
Tami’s mom died this year, so we are going through the same adjustment.
Sincerely,
Doug
Edward and Linda Senn
We’re so sorry to see the loss of your mother,mother-in-law and grandmother. She was a wonderful person.I met her after the twins were born. Where did the years go? May God comfort you all during this time of grief.
Take care and God Bless you all. Sincerely, Ed and Linda Senn and Family
Pamela Nichols
Deawn Bard and Sherry Higgins
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your loved ones.
Take care.
Susie & Jerry Zahm
Glenn and Penny
Bob & Rebecca & Alyssa VanVolkinburg
Aaron & Christina Reeves
HANSEN VISION CENTER
DR. ROCKY HANSEN, DR. MANDY RUSSELL, DR. AMY DINARDO AND STAFF
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