Marian E. Meyers

Marian was born on August 5, 1932, at home in Deshler, OH to Theodor and Emilie (Meyer) Gerken, and became engaged to Marvin L Meyers (Okalona, OH) on April 1, 1951 while he was on leave from Camp Hamilton AFB, California. They were married on February 8, 1953, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Okalona, OH, moved to California, and resided there for three years before moving back to Northwest Ohio to raise their family.

Marian loved her babies and was blessed with six children: Mark Meyers, Steven (Pam) Meyers, Sandra (Tom) Thatcher, Sherry (Tennyson) Shifley, Kenneth (Carol) Meyers, Kristina (Darin) Miller. In addition to her own children, she and Marvin opened their home to several foster children.

Marian and Marvin lived in Archbold, OH until 1982, where they were members of St. Martin's Lutheran Church. A job opportunity took them to Erie, PA where they lived for 30+ years, and were members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. While there, Marian was actively involved with the pre-school program at St. Paul’s and served on several community outreach programs. She founded the quilt group at St. Paul’s (Patchwork of Love), where many quilts were sewn and distributed to people in need, through the efforts of Lutheran World Relief and local community organizations. Many times, Marian would hear of someone going through a crisis and would personally deliver a quilt to them herself. While involved with Habitat for Humanity, every new home built in the Erie community received a quilt from Patchwork of Love. Her generosity knew no bounds. She also volunteered in a soup kitchen (Loaves and Fishes) of the Erie Community for over 20 years. Marian, along with her husband, Marvin, traveled in their motorhome with the group, Laborers for Christ, to help build Churches across the country. Once retired, and it became time to downsize and sell their Erie home, they then moved to Shepherdsville, KY, to reside with their son, Ken. They found a new church family at House of Prayer Lutheran Church in Elizabethtown, KY. It did not take Marian long to find a place to volunteer and thoroughly enjoyed her time at Outreach Thrift Shop (Lutheran), Shepherdsville, KY, where she was welcomed like family!

Marian and Marvin enjoyed many years traveling in their motorhome for vacations and to visit children living in different parts of the country. Marian was always ready to go! She loved to travel and looked forward to her next adventure. Traveling through Alaska in their motorhome was one trip she loved to talk about. Trips/vacations with her children and grandchildren were planned with much excitement!

Marian had a love for sewing, especially quilt-piecing, and made numerous quilts for friends and family. She also had talents for knitting and crocheting, using those talents to make baby hats and sweaters that were donated to local NICU units.

She loved to gather around the table and play games or cards. You always wanted her on your team when playing Pepper! She was a great competitor!

Marian's love for her 13 grandchildren was ever-present.  When they were old enough, she shared her love of travel with them, taking them on memorable journeys. Oh, the places they went and the fun they had together will never be forgotten!  Grandchildren: Ethan Meyers, Joshua (Mary) Meyers, Mark (Tara) Thatcher, Kiel Thatcher, Justin Thatcher, Colin (Shannon) Shifley, Erin (Jeff) Burns, Neal Miller, Abbey Kramer, Samantha Westcott, Cecelia Miller, Elijah (Kayla) Miller, Brent Hageman.

14 great-grandchildren were beginning to know the love of Marian. She will forever be in their hearts: Daniel Meyers, Lydia Meyers, Emma Thatcher, Hayden Thatcher, Liam Thatcher, Emily Shifley, Noah Burns, Rowan Burns, Isiah Edinger, Mariah Miller, Alexis Rounds, Anna Rounds, Lucas Shay, Tayla Migliaccio.

Marian is survived by husband, Marvin, and her brother, Dale Gerken of Florida, OH. She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodor and Emily Gerken, son, Mark Meyers, granddaughter-in-law, Tara Thatcher, and granddaughter, Samantha Westcott.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022, 1:00pm, at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, 203 S. Defiance St., Archbold, OH 43502.  The service will be live-streamed on St. Martin’s (Archbold, OH) Facebook page.  Officiating will be the Rev. Tennyson C. Shifley and Deacon Steve Basselman.  A private graveside service will be held for the family immediately following the memorial service. 

Memorials in her memory may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, FBO “Patchwork of Love”, 3108 Sterrettania, Erie, PA 16506.  Phone: (814) 833-1761.