It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Merna Kitchen, who passed away peacefully at home on June 9th with her family by her side after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Merna is now with her husband and best friend, Robert (Kitch), and her parents Si and Edith Schmidt, sister Audrey (Roy) McKerricher, and brothers Roy (Marlene) and Dennis Schmidt.
Merna will lovingly be remembered by daughters Cindy (Doug) Noble, Michelle (Dennis) Harlos; grandchildren Shanna (Jamie) Thiele, Bobbi (Randy) Sokil, Kayla (Dale) Noble, Breanna (Nick) Gasper, Brenden (Rylee) Harlos; and great grandchildren Brooke (Noah), Kaitlyn and Averi Thiele, Teaghan, Hunter, Landin, Hayden and Tenysha Noble, Liam Sherman, Maddy and Kenzi Sokil, Macy and Madison Harlos, and Charlie Gasper; sister Ruby (Harvey) Libby and Gail (Garnet) Eden, and brother Ken (Jody) Schmidt.
Merna was born in Ogema and grew up on the family farm. In 1962 she married Robert and moved to Avonlea where she resided until her passing.
Initially a stay-at-home mom, Merna started her career with a brief time at Blue Hills restaurant before working more than 30 years at Nelson Motors. She retired when she needed to care for her husband, but after his passing, worked casually in the club house at Long Creek.
Merna loved golfing, knitting, camping, fishing, gardening, and most of all, picking golf balls at the golf course with Kitch. Always most important was her family; they were her pride and joy – her everything.
Never needing to be the center of attention, Merna accepted everyone as they were. She will be remembered for her patience, forgiveness, kindness, and thoughtfulness.
The family would like to say a special thank you to Connie, Kathy, Shirley, and their families for always being there for Mom. They allowed her to live in her home until the end. Without them this would not have been possible; we are forever grateful.
A Celebration of Merna’s Life will be held at Avonlea Community Hall on Thursday, June 15th at 2:00 p.m. Please remain for a fellowship until the family returns from the private internment. Della Ferguson will officiate.
In living memory of Merna, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com(Obituaries). Dayna Chamberlain- Funeral Director