Merla Donetta Sommers Kelsch

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As a grandmother, Merla was loving, welcoming, and deeply cherished. She had a special way of making each person feel important, cared for, and loved.

Merla Donnetta Sommers Kelsch was born on July 11, 1936, to Belle and Joseph Sommers. She lived a life filled with love, family, creativity, strength, and a remarkable gift for making everyone around her feel welcome.

Merla was blessed with six children: Mike, who married Barb; Dave, who married Jerri; Leila, who married Carl; Lori; Shane, who married Mary; and Jason, who married Lynn. She was also a beloved grandmother to many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and bonus grandchildren.

Family was at the heart of Merla's life. She babysat her grandchildren and was a constant presence in their lives. If you were lucky enough to spend time at Grandma's house, you may also have found yourself helping her clean. Merla was very particular about how things looked. Her home had to be clean, perfect, and put together—and she made sure her grandchildren knew it!

Merla had a love for decorating that was truly one of a kind. Her home was decorated for every single holiday, and she took great pride in making each season special. Anyone who visited was likely to hear her say, "Come see my stuff!" She would proudly walk you through her home, showing off the beautiful decorations she had carefully put together. She didn't simply decorate a house—she created a feeling, a memory, and a place where people felt at home.

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She welcomed people into her heart and treated them as her own.

Of all the holidays, Christmas held a special place in Merla's heart. When family members were asked what they would remember most about her, Christmas was the answer that came up again and again. Merla went all out for Christmas. Her home would be transformed into a magical wonderland, filled with decorations, excitement, and the anticipation of what was to come.

For many years, her home was the place where the family gathered for a special Christmas Eve party. There was food, laughter, family, and, most importantly, Santa would come to visit. For the children, it was magical. For the adults, it became a treasured family tradition. These Christmas memories are woven into the hearts of generations of her family and will continue to be told and remembered for years to come.

As a grandmother, Merla was loving, welcoming, and deeply cherished. She had a special way of making each person feel important, cared for, and loved. Whether you had known her your entire life or had just met her, Merla could make you feel as though you had always belonged in her family. Her love extended far beyond titles or bloodlines. She welcomed people into her heart and treated them as her own.

Merla was the kind of person who left a lasting impression. She was loved by many because of her warmth, generosity, and genuine care for others. She had a beautiful way of making people feel comfortable, valued, and at home. Her presence brought comfort and joy, and the memories she created with her family and loved ones will be treasured for generations.

Throughout her life, Merla showed incredible strength. She battled cancer and endured the heartbreaking loss of a child, her husband, and many of her siblings. Through the losses and hardships she faced, she continued to love her family fiercely and remained someone others could turn to for warmth, comfort, and connection.

As her life drew to a close, Merla made sure the people she loved knew exactly what they meant to her. She made it a point to call family and friends and say "bye bye for now" or remind them, "Never forget how much I love you." Those words are a beautiful reflection of the love she carried for so many people and a gift she leaves behind for all who knew her.

Merla leaves behind a family that spans generations and a legacy of love that will continue through each of them. She will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, bonus grandchildren, extended family, and the many friends and loved ones whose lives she touched.

She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, bonus grandmother, and friend. But above all, she was a loving and unforgettable woman who had the rare ability to make people feel seen, accepted, welcomed, and truly like family.

Her memory will live on in the family she loved, the grandchildren she cared for, the beautiful home she made special for every holiday, and especially in the Christmas traditions she created. Every Christmas tree, every decoration, every gathering, and every family story will carry a little piece of Merla with it.

Bye bye for now and never forget how much we all love you. She will forever be loved and missed.