Merna was, first and foremost, a woman of her family. She was a doting wife to her husband, Eugene “Gene” Siemens. But she was also a mom to all. She is fondly remembered for how she and Gene were a stable, loving, parental force to many. And those relationships endured. She never stopped being a mom to all, as is proof of her love of her sons-in-law that she would never think differently of than being part of her family, and her heart. Merna was also very active. She loved her many groups that she was a part of such as Women of the West (WOW), her Granny’s Group, and Three Old Broads, WSU Lunch Bunch, and Red Hat Society. She was a member of Aldersgate Church for as long as anyone can remember, and her love for all there, and for God, made her very active in the choir, and she played a huge role in the annual Harvest Festival Dinners.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Gene Siemens and parents Myrland and Mildred Shank.
She is survived by daughters Fran (Robb) Rose, Dana (Chris) Pepper, Patty (Eric) Christensen and Chrissy (Manny DiMattia) Hall; sister Karen Shoemaker; brother Lynn Shank; former son in law Damon Hall; grandchildren, Kelsey (Matt) Gillenwater, Drew (Shane) Rose, Garrett (Kacie) Pepper, Colton (Courtney) Pepper, Hayden (Talia) Pepper, Tanner (Olivia) Christensen, Ian (Ireland) Christensen, Kaylea (Josh) Kultgen, Emily (Derrick) Smith, and Gunnar Hall; and nine great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions in Merna's honor can be made to Koinonia Senior Care, Meals on Wheels, and Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
Visitation will be held Monday, November 23rd from 1-5pm at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W Hwy 54, 67209, Wichita. A private funeral service will be held. For more information go to resthavenmortuary-cemetery.com.
