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Merle Ann Elshere-Havemanof Summerset, South Dakota, formerly of Milesville, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, July 22, 2008
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Merle Ann was born July 30, 1941, in Tiffin, Ohio, the daughter of Arthur and Maxine (Griffin) Hutchinson. She was raised in Philip by her mother and adoptive father, John Calvin Hoag. She became a sister, at eighteen, when her brother Fred was born.
Piano lessons at an early age were the beginnings of Merle Ann’s life long love of music. She shared her musical talent as a church accompanist and pianist for weddings and funerals.
Merle Ann married Arlie Elshere on November 19, 1960 and to this union four children were born; Laura, Julie, Steven and Jennifer. They raised their children on the Elshere homestead in Milesville, South Dakota. As a rural wife and mother, Merle Ann enjoyed being creative in her home and in the community that she loved.
Through writing, Merle Ann discovered another way to express her spirituality, sensitivity, and humor. This gift developed into a professional career as a journalist, where she received critical acclaim and numerous awards.
Merle Ann’s talents and abilities were as endless as the love she shared with her family and friends.
She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by her husband Melvin Haveman of Summerset; one son Steven Elshere of Stanford, Illinois; three daughters Laura Sever and her husband Jeff of Rapid City, Julie Furchner and her husband Scott of Ft. Pierre, and Jennifer Kennedy and her husband Doug of Las Vegas, Nevada; three step-daughters Catherine Haveman of Rapid City, Laurie Coy and her husband Steve of Rapid City, and Diane Lane and her husband Ed of Rapid City; seven grandchildren Tyler, Trent and Taryn Sever, Dustin and Jordan Cazier, Trina Elshere and Douglas Kennedy, Jr.; four step-grandchildren; one step-great-grandson; one brother Fred Hoag and his wife Claudette of Philip; three nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Monday.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 28, at the United Church in Philip, with Pastor Al Brucklacher officiating.
Interment will be in the Masonic Cemetery, Philip.
A memorial is established.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Monday, July 28, 2008 – 10:00 a.m.
United Church
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Al Brucklacher
MUSIC
“Amazing Grace”
“On Eagles Wings”
Congregational Hymns
Judy Elshere – Pianist
“I Surrender All”
“Wonderful Words of Life”
USHERS
Eric Hoag – Derek Lane
PALLBEARERS
Trent Sever – Tyler Sever
Dustin Cazier – Jordan Cazier
Douglas Kennedy, Jr. – Robert Haveman
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
Visitation: 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
Funeral services: 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 28, at the United Church in Philip.
Interment: Masonic Cemetery, Philip.