Merkle Funeral Service Life Stories

July 5, 1920 – August 22, 2008

Mabel (Martin) Lee, age 88, of Monroe, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday morning August 22, 2008.

Mabel was born July 5, 1920 in Little Rock, Arkansas from the union of the late Pete Martin and the late Ola (Robinson) Martin. She was married to Robert E. Lee on April 1, 1938 in Little Rock.

Robert and Mabel moved their family to Monroe in 1956 from Little Rock. Mabel took employment as a housekeeper for Mr. Ted Sacks. She had always spoke warmly and was grateful for her years of employment with the Sacks family. Mabel also worked for a short time with the Blissfield Canning Company, and then served as an Aide for the Headstart Program at Second Baptist Church in Monroe. In the late 1960’s Miss Mabel began working for Mercy Memorial Hospital in the Housekeeping Department. She retired in 1994 after more than 25 years of service.

Church life and her Christian Faith were most important on Mabel’s list. She was a faithful member of the Al Overstreet Evangelistic Ministries. Family was another essential, and raising seven children was a prized accomplishment. She had a passion for family outings and barbeques. In her free time Mabel could usually be found with a fishing pole along a body of water. She also enjoyed sewing, going to garage sales, and visiting the Damascus House.

She leaves to cherish her memory an amazing legacy including two attentive daughters: Roberta (Richard) Hughes of Ypsilanti, Patricia Shaw of Lincoln Park; two beloved sons: Edward and Charles Lee; eighteen grandchildren; thirty-two great grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter. Her passing was preceded by her husband Robert E. Lee Sr. in 1957; two daughters: Alice Emmerson and Lillie Belle Fisher; her son: Robert E. Lee Jr. in 2005; a sister: Daisy Littles; a son-in-law: Herman Shaw in 2007; and five grandchildren: Richard Hughes Jr., Alicson Emmerson, Daisy, Alice, and Laquadra.

Friends may gather from 11:00am until a Home-Going Celebration of Her Life at 1:00pm Tuesday; August 26, 2008, at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, Frenchtown Township, (734) 384-5185. The Rev. Alfred Overstreet will officiate. Procession to Woodland Cemetery, Monroe for burial will follow.

For those desiring the family has suggested memorials to the Al Overstreet Evangelistic Ministries, 332 Conant Street, Monroe.

April 14, 1941 – August 16, 2008

Nancy O’Dell Jones, age 67, passed away Saturday, August 16, 2008 at the Lutheran Home of Monroe. Her loving family was at her side and ushered her into the arms of Her Lord.

Nancy was born April 14, 1941 from the marriage of the late William Carpenter and the late Opal (Chaney) Carpenter. She graduated from Waite High School in Toledo, Ohio.

She was born and raised in Ohio and moved to Michigan in 2000 to be close to her family. Nancy had a heart of gold and loved to share with others. She enjoyed baking for family and friends especially around the holidays and at birthdays. Her baskets of treats were always well received and could warm any soul. Faith was a big part of Nancy’s life. She enjoyed prayer and worship. Nancy received her spiritual nourishment at Victory Temple Church of God.

She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters: Kimberly Stundon of LaSalle and Cathy Taylor of Monroe; a sister: Helen (Bob) Parker of Oregon, Ohio; two brothers: Ronald (Sharon) Carpenter of Toledo, Ohio and Bob Goodwin of Kentucky; a grandson: Nicholas Stundon of Monroe; five granddaughters: Tiffanie (Chris) Hoffman of Monroe, Brandy Taylor, Tammy (Stacey) Brittian and Amanda and Elenore Paupard all of Toledo, Ohio; three great-granddaughters: Alissa Paupard and Korinne Taylor of Toledo, Ohio and Savannah Hoffman of Monroe; four great grandsons: Brett and Aaron Brittian of Toledo, Ohio, Christopher Hoffman of Monroe and Aidan Stundon of Ypsilanti, Michigan. Her passing was preceded by her beloved parents, a daughter: Becky Paupard; and seven brothers John, Jim, Dick, Leonard, Tom Goodwin, Billy and Earl Carpenter.

Family and friends will gather on Thursday, August 21, 2008 from 2:00pm until a memorial service to Celebrate Her Life at 3:00pm at the Victory Temple Church of God, 832 South Roessler Street, Monroe Township. The Rev.Al Whittaker pastor of the church will offciate. Cremation has taken place through Southern Michigan Services, Livonia. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, Frenchtown Township, (734) 384-5185 was entrusted with her arrangements.

For those desiring memorial donations are suggested to the Victory Temple Church of God.

August 9, 2008

Elizabeth Marie Gibson, was received into the arms of Her Lord on Saturday, August 9, 2008.

Elizabeth was the daughter of Kenneth J. Gibson and Brittney M. Dedeluk.

Elizabeth leaves to cherish her memory her loving parents of Monroe; paternal grandparents: Violet and Kenneth Gibson of LaSalle and maternal grandparents: Lana and Allen Dedeluk of Monroe; paternal great grandparents: Roy and Patricia Smith of Monroe, John Gibson of Monroe, and Lois Reed of Monroe; maternal great grandparents: Robert and Carol Dedeluk of Dundee and Margaret Turner of Monroe; two uncles: Shawn and Matthew Dedeluk of California. Her passing was preceded by a maternal great grandparent: Doyle Turner.

A private Celebration of Elizabeth’s Life will take place at the North Monroe Street Church of God, Mountain Assembly. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, Frenchtown Township, (734) 384-5185 was entrusted with her arrangements. Permanent Memorialization will take place at the Footprints Feature of Roselawn Memorial Park, LaSalle.

For those desiring the family suggests memorial donations may be made to the North Monroe Street Church of God, Mountain Assembly.

December 13, 1956 – July 17, 2008

Brenda Joyce Taynor, age 51, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2008 at the Concord Care Center in Toledo, where her favorite nurse, Amy Hudson spoiled her, gave her special care and loved her deeply. She had also been under the care of Odyssey Hospice, who kept her comfortable to the very end.

Brenda was born on December 13, 1956 in Toledo, Ohio. Her mom and dad,
G. Melvin Taynor and Martha (Bentley) Taynor, her biological parents and her sister Judy preceded her in death. Brenda was a graduate of Woodward High School, Toledo.

Brenda had been a faithful member of the Calvary Bible Chapel for more than 40 years. She had an extreme love for music, playing the violin and the piano. Brenda also loved to sing. Her favorite song was “His Eye is on the Sparrow”. Knitting and Crocheting were her passion. Brenda had a cheerful, giving heart.

She leaves to cherish her memory two beloved sons: John Eichner and Corey Hanf; a loving daughter: Martha Underwood; three brothers: Gary Lee (Kay) Taynor of Toledo, Howard (Mary) Conley, Sam (Karen) Conley; two sisters: Peggy, and Cathy; a nephew: Gary Taynor; a niece: Megan Taynor; a great nephew: Jacob Holt; and an aunt: Will; special friends: Shirley, Connie, Cora, Carol, Lois, Jackie, Ethel, Denise, Robin Elaine, and Nancy and many others. She also will be missed by several aunts, uncles, cousins, neices and nephews from her biological family, and many friends at Calvary Bible Chapel.

Cremation has taken place. Friends are invited to gather at Noon on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at Calvary Bible Chapel, 3740 West Alexis Road, Toledo, Ohio. The Rev. Andy Hill, will officiate her ‘Celebration of Life’ service. You are invited to stay for a Memorial Luncheon. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, Frenchtown Township, Michigan (734) 384-5185 was entrusted with her arrangements.

For those desiring memorial donations are suggested to the Benevolence Fund at Calvary Bible Chapel.

March 11, 1932 - August 7, 2008

Services have been set for Mr. Hoppert. Friends may gather from 5-9pm on Friday, September 5, 2008 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, Frenchtown Township, (734) 384-5185.

A Graveside Service Celebrating His Life will take place at 10:30am Saturday, September 6, 2008 at Roselawn Memorial Park, LaSalle. The Rev. Sheryl Colter will officiate.

May 14, 1919 – August 3, 2008

Gladys Theone Piedmonte, age 89, passed away at 7:50pm, Sunday evening at Flower Hospital in Sylvania, Ohio.

Friends may gather Tuesday August 5th from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, Frenchtown Twp, and also at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday August 6th prior to a memorial service which will begin at 11:30 a.m. The Reverend Timothy H. Lentner of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Maybee, will officiate. A Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial.

Born May 14, 1919 in Sylvania, Ohio to the union of the late Fredrick Hott and the late Millicent (Eilenberger) Hott, she was a graduate of Burnham High School in Toledo, Ohio. On October 4, 1941 she married John A. Piedmonte Sr. of Monroe, and briefly moved to San Antonio Texas where John was serving in the Army.

Having worked in the Toledo medical office of Dr. Mahoney, Gladys continued to work in the medical facilities at Kelly Field in San Antonio, Texas before beginning a lifelong devotion to raising her family. She returned to Monroe with John after the completion of his service.

Gladys had two passions in life, her family and her work. Besides raising four children, Gladys had performed many tasks outside the home, and continued to work until recently with her son Jack at Westside Exploration as a receptionist. Prior to Westside, Gladys also worked for Mark IV Electric of Monroe, and in the office of Piedmonte Electric Inc. with her husband John and other family members.

She leaves to cherish her memory three sons: Jack Piedmonte and his wife, Cathe Calder of Monroe; Tom Piedmonte of Ann Arbor; Mark Piedmonte and his wife, Kathleen Piedmonte of Santa Maria, California; a daughter, Bonnie Piedmonte Kirchhoff and her husband, Jim Kirchhoff of Plano, Texas; a sister: Dorothy Deye of Sylvania, Ohio; eight grandchildren: Lance Piedmonte, Darcy Piedmonte-Lang and her husband Eric Lang, Dair Calder–Piedmonte, Ian Calder–Piedmonte, Nicholas Grego and his wife Jennifer, Cassandra Grego, Taylor John Piedmonte, and Brian Kirchhoff, as well as four great grandchildren: Antonia, Zane, and Cale Piedmonte–Lang, and Aidan Grego. Her passing was preceded by her husband of more than 50 years, John in 1994, her parents, and a sister: Ruth Lather.

For those desiring, memorial donations are suggested to Meadow Montessori School of Monroe or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

November 24, 1932 – August 7, 2008

James Curtis Bohannon, age 75, of Newport was received into Jesus’ loving arms on Thursday, August 7, 2008 after his passing at Mercy Memorial Nursing Center. He had been under the care of Heartland Hospice and Homecare.

Jim was born on November 24, 1932 in Fitzgerald, Georgia from the union of the late James Robert Bohannon and the late Beatrice (Kirkland) Bohannon. Jim was joined in marriage to the love of his life Irene Vint on September 6, 1952 while living in Columbus, Georgia. They shared 54 wonderful years together.

Jim was a devoted and loving husband and father, a man who took his responsibility of raising a family seriously, a man who led by example. His faith in Christ as his Savior was foremost in life. He was a committed member to the North Monroe Street Church of God, Mountain Assembly. Reading wasn’t just a hobby but a passion. He enjoyed reading mysteries and medical books, but his true love from reading came from the countless hours of self Bible study and the numerous Christian books that he completed.

Jim wasn’t a stranger to work. He drove a Hi-Lo while being employed for thirty years by Ford Motor Company at their Woodhaven Stamping Plant. On January 1, 1997 he retired. He was a member of the United Auto Workers Local 387.

He leaves to cherish his memory three daughters: Sharon (Fred) Boogren and Carolyn Thompson both of Monroe; and Darlene Nicholls of Ontario, Windsor, Canada; a son: Samuel Bohannon of Grand Rapids, Michigan; many grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. His passing was preceded by his beloved wife on March 1, 2007; his parents; a daughter: Eileen Bohannon; and a son-in-law: Mack Thompson.

Family and Friends will gather from 1-8pm; Monday, August 11, 2008 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, Frenchtown Twp., (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at the North Monroe Street Church of God, 2393 North Monroe Street on Tuesday where friends may gather from 12:00pm until the service at 1:00pm. The Rev. Rick Massingill pastor of the church will officiate. Procession to Michigan Memorial Park will follow for burial.

For those desiring memorial contributions are suggested to the North Monroe Street Church of God.

November 17, 1943 – July 25, 2008

Donald Steven Zappavigna, age 64, of Monroe passed away unexpectedly at 4:45am, Friday, July 25, 2008 at Mercy Memorial Hospital in Monroe.

Donald was born on November 17, 1943 in Monroe, Michigan from the union of the late Fred Zappavigna and the late Margaret (Mexico) Zappavigna. He was a 1962 graduate of Monroe Catholic Central High School.

Donald had been married to Sue Sharp. For the past 29 years he has made his home with Judy Stanfill.

Donald enjoyed collecting watches, lighters, deer, and eagles. He enjoyed the outdoors by bicycling and walking. His favorite sport was football and his favorite team was the Chicago Bears. He was also an avid Red Wings fan. He enjoyed NASCAR and he idolized Dale Earnhart Sr. and Dale Earnhart Jr. Donald also enjoyed music and would list Bob Seger as his favorite musician. He was adored and will sadly be missed by his grandchildren.

Donald worked in maintenance and security for many years. He was employed by Charlotte Arms Apartments in Monroe, and he had also worked for the Monroe Wastewater Treatment Plant in maintenance. Donald worked at the Enrico Fermi Nuclear Power Plant and for the Sisters Servants of The Immaculate Heart of Mary Mother House performing security. He retired in 1990.

He is survived by his life partner: Judy Stanfill of Monroe; two daughters: Cheryl Stanfill of Monroe; Kim (Robert) Swihart of Monroe; five adoring grandchildren: Christopher Stanfill, Travis Stanfill, Shaelyn Stanfill, Jasmine Stanfill, and Jett Swihart; loving friends: Lila (Charles) Jennings of Monroe; and their children: J.C. Jennings, Mercedes Jennnings, and McKayla Jennings; and Donald’s beloved cat TITI.

Family and Friends may gather Monday; August 4, 2008 from 9:30am until a Celebration of His Life at 10:00am at the Mausoleum of the Risen Christ at St. Joseph Cemetery, 909 North Monroe Street, Monroe. Burial will follow in the cemetery. The Reverend Milton Jackson pastor of New Beginnings Ministries of Romulus, Michigan will officiate. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, Frenchtown Township, (734) 384-5185 was entrusted with his arrangements.

For those desiring memorial donations are suggested to the family.

February 14, 1931 – July 26, 2008

Keith V. Pryor, age 77, passed peacefully from this life and entered the Heavenly Gates, Saturday, July 26, 2008 at his Temperance home. His loving family was at his side.

Keith was born February 14, 1931 in Coolville, Ohio from the union of the late Howard C. Pryor and the late Hazel (Snider) Pryor. He was a graduate of Moxahala High School. On May 26, 1948 he wed Betty Lou Danielson. Shortly after their marriage, Keith and Betty moved to Temperance, Michigan which they called home for more than fifty years.

Keith Pryor was a self-employed carpenter for more than fifty years. He would build anything and enjoyed lending a hand to a friend. His true passion for carpentry was realized however in residential construction. Keith was a member of the Carpenters Union Local 248 in Toledo. In 2004, Keith, chose to retire and hung up his tool belt.

Keith was a man of faith. He felt the greatest gift he could leave for his children was a love for Jesus Christ. He was a member of Countryside Wesleyan Church in Temperance. Other hobbies included a love for mushroom hunting Up North, camping, fishing, and just good “old fashioned tinkering”. Keith also had a love for composing poetry and his work would warm the coldest heart.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of sixty years: Betty of Temperance; five beloved children: Sharon Wrege of Monroe; daughter Juanita Lucke of Estero, Florida; son Jerry and daughter-in-law Colleen Pryor of Temperance; daughter Debra and son-in-law Bernie Moss of Swanton, Ohio; and son David and daughter-in-law Jill Pryor of Erie, Michigan; fifteen loving grandchildren; thirty cherished great grandchildren; and three very special great-great grandchildren. Also survived by four sisters: Lela Weaver, Merry Pryor, Christina McGill, and Carol Herger, and two brothers Gilbert Pryor and Daniel Pryor of Northwest Ohio. His passing was preceded by his parents; two brothers: Clayton Pryor and Larry Pryor; and a son-in-law: Merle Wrege.

Friends and family will gather, Wednesday, July 30, 2008 from 1:00pm until a Celebration of His Life at 2:00pm at the Countryside Wesleyan Church, 9963 Summerfield Road, Temperance, Michigan. The Reverend Robert Tucker pastor of the church will officiate. Cremation has taken place. Private Internment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park at a later date. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, Frenchtown Township, (734) 384-5185 was entrusted with his arrangements.

Memorial Donations may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

March 11, 1916 - July 17, 2008

Charles Zlatos, age 92, of Monroe, passed away at 9:26pm, Thursday, July 17, 2008 at Mercy Memorial Hospital, Monroe.

He was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin on March 11, 1926 from the union of the late Karol Zlatos and Marie (Lochi) Zlatos. He was married to Helen Erndwein on February 23, 1945.

He entered the United States Air Force on October 17, 1940 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While serving in the Air Force, Charles acquired the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal among other citations. He completed a school of mechanical trades for heavy units. He was discharged from the service on September 14, 1945.

Charles was employed by the Wyandotte Chemical Company. After 21 years of service he retired in 1978. However, he was much better known for his carpentry. He loved to work with his hands and loved to build things. Many of his projects included his beloved children and grandchildren. He built many homes in the area performing tasks from block and brick laying to framing. Even after his retirement from Wyandotte Chemical he was almost single-handedly able to construct a garage at the Carleton home of his son Carl. Charles was able to work circles around most men even after he was well into his 70’s. He was a quiet man with a dynamite personality and a handshake that could crush an unsuspecting greeter.

The Zlatos family owned a cottage near Atlanta, Michigan where many family visits included the Up North retreat. Hunting and trapping were two of Charles’ favorite ways to pass the time. He also took pride in gardening.

He leaves to cherish his memory a loving son: Carl (Shirley) Zlatos of Carleton; two daughters: Suesan (Donald) Caraway of Flat Rock and Sherron (Tom) Keck of Kentucky; eight grandchildren, and eighteen great grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. He was preceded in his passing by his parents, his wife: Helen on April 18, 2001; daughter: Mary Lou Hope in 2005; brother: Rudy; and sisters: Anna and Elenore.

Private Graveside Services will be held with burial next to his beloved Helen at Michigan Memorial Park in Huron Township. Cremation has taken place through Southern Michigan Services, Livonia. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, Frenchtown Township, (734) 384-5185 was entrusted with his arrangements.