Della Mae Lesher Obituary (1946 - 2009)

Karen Bedell '64 said:

Funeral services for Dee Mernin, age 63 of Bedford, who died Friday, October 23, 2009 at her home were held Monday, October 26, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation was held Sunday from 1 to 4 with the family greeting friends from 2 to 4. Interment was held in the Washington Cemetery in Gravity.
Della Mae (Lesher) Mernin was born January 15, 1946 in Hastings, Iowa the daughter of Clyde Almond Lesher and Bernice Emogene (Graves) Lesher. Della was known to all of her family and friends as Dee and she grew up in Gravity attending school, graduating from Bedford High School. After graduation, Dee moved to Des Moines where she married Jack Merrifield. To this union a daughter, Deanna Lynn, was born. After the couple divorced Dee and Deanna moved Alta, Iowa where she met Tom Mernin. The couple was united in marriage on April 24, 1970 in Yankton, South Dakota. To this union a daughter, Maria Moana, was born. Into this marriage Tom brought his two sons, Tracy and Danny, with Dee bringing in Deanna, making their family complete.
Dee and Tom lived in several locations because Tom was in the United States Navy. When Tom retired from the Navy in 2001, the couple returned to Bedford to make their home. Dee was a wonderful cook, with her specialty being Waffle Cookies, pies and many other sweets she enjoyed sharing with her family and friends. Dee also enjoyed playing Bingo, garage sales, sewing, quilting and gardening. She had a special pickle recipe she enjoyed canning each year. Throughout the years of their retirement, Tom and Dee enjoyed traveling together throughout several states in their camper.
Left to cherish Dee’s memory are her two daughters, Deanna Jackson and special friend Ted Henry of Flippin, Arkansas; and Maria Daly and special friend Todd Rowland of Afton, Iowa; son Danny Mernin of Spokane, Washington; nine grandchildren, Dustin and special friend Alicia; Devin and special friend Sheena; Derek and wife Stephanie; Jordan, Mackenzie, Madison, Jaden, Jennifer and Kim; five great-grandchildren, DJ, Levi, Harley, Alexis and McKenna; and (Desmond) who she was looking forward to seeing who will be born in December of 2009; five brothers and sisters, Gary Lesher of Bedford; Milburn and Ruth Taylor of Austin, Texas; Naomi Brumfield of Waukee, Iowa; John and Mary Lesher of Maryville, Missouri; and Myra and Denny Lock of Bedford; two sisters-in-law, Dolora (Cole) Lesher and Shirley Lesher; a brother-in-law, Marvin and Margaret Hulse; Cecilia and Leo Foust of East Moline, Illinois; Corkey Mernin of Yankton, South Dakota; and Jack and Dorothy Mernin of Storm Lake, Iowa; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Preceding Dee in death are her parents Clyde and Bernice Lesher; her loving husband Tom Mernin in 2008; son Tracy Mernin and his wife Laura; brothers Lonnie, Harold, Lyle, Paul (Bud); sisters Melba Ruth, Delores and Pauline (Polly); in-laws, Clarance and Kathryn Mernin; brother-in-laws Jerry and wife Dorothy; and Joe Mernin; and Ronnie Brumfield; and sisters-in-law, Colleen and Doris; a niece Jodie and nephew Colt.