Arlene Kershner

Arlene M. Garver Adkins Kershner, 67, of Shelby, died Saturday evening, September 19, 2009, surrounded by her family after a brave battle with cancer. Born November 29, 1941, in Mansfield, she was the daughter of Russell Garver, Sr. and Nettie "Betty" Smith Garver. Arlene attended Union School and retired from General Motors. She loved to travel, especially enjoying her trips to Hawaii. Arlene enjoyed annual mushroom hunting trips with her family and friends to Michigan. She maintained greenhouses and shared flowers with those she loved. She also enjoyed shopping. Arlene was a very loving and generous person.

Arlene is survived by her mother, Nettie "Betty" Smith Garver; daughter, Brenda Chester Stephens of Mansfield; two sons, Jim Adkins Tammy Blanton of Mansfield and Roger Ann Adkins of Hayesville; eight grandchildren, Megan, Amber, Michael, Timothy, Matthew, Eric, Stephanie, and Brooke; brother, Russell June Garver, Jr.; two sisters, Linda Robert Weimer and Diane Lyall Tom Davis; special niece, Laura Lyall; numerous nieces and nephews; and her special feline friend, "Survivor". She was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Frederick B. Kershner; infant children, Sherry and Gary Adkins, Jr.; father, Russell Garver, Sr.; uncle, Clyde "Pete" Smith; and her bird, "Rainbow".

Friends may visit from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, September 25, 2009, at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield, OH 44902. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home with Dr. Johnny Heckard officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Drive, Ashland, Ohio 44805. The family would like to express special thanks to the staff of Hospice of North Central Ohio and the James Cancer Center in Columbus for the care given to Arlene and her family.