Obituary of Marilyn Meservy

Obituary Marilyn Meservy 1945 ~ 2013 "When all that is left of me is love, give me away." Merrit Mallory Marilyn Meservy . . . beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend to many, will be forever cherished in our memories. Born on January 12,1945, Marilyn was the second of Merle and Jeanette Snavely's eight children. While, growing up on a farm near Iola, Kansas, Marilyn dreamed of expanding her horizons and so she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after graduating high school. It was there that she met and married Dell Meservy. Soon after, Marilyn and Dell moved to his family farm near Twin Falls, Idaho. Their first child, Daun, was born in 1965. They immigrated to Canada in 1967, and settled near Taylor, BC to homestead. Marilyn and Dell welcomed two more children, Lorelei, in 1968 and Udell, in 1973. While raising her children and being a hard working farmwoman, Marilyn also had a variety of diverse occupations such as a practical nurse, beekeeper, automotive parts person, weed inspector, horticulturalist, warehouse person, and cashier. In addition to all of this, Marilyn still found time to volunteer for the Canadian Institute of the Blind. Marilyn was known for her keen intellect, strength, determination and delightful dry sense of humor. Her humility, integrity and work ethic continue to inspire those who knew her. She always said that if a job was worth doing it was worth doing well. Marilyn enjoyed pursuing her life long love of learning by completing several college diplomas and certificates. She also had a green thumb and an avid passion for gardening and landscaping. Marilyn loved reading and had an impressive book collection. In her later years, Marilyn was inspired by the majestic beauty of bald eagles and she greatly enjoyed websites that allowed her to observe nesting eagles in their natural habitat. Marilyn was also a devoted friend and she was commitment to her family. Although a woman of few words, Marilyn's voice would swell with pride when speaking about her family and friends. During her brief but valiant battle with cancer, Marilyn was always gracious and would thank those who were looking after her. Even in the darkest hours, Marilyn was more concerned for the needs of others and she was unwavering in her strength and poise. In November, Marilyn requested that her family and friends be invited to share their favorite memories and pictures via a "living celebration party" at her home in Taylor. This allowed her to visit with her loved ones while she was well enough to enjoy doing so. This gathering was a resounding success and Marilyn proudly remarked that this "was certainly better than a funeral." Marilyn was so pleased that people came from near and far and she felt especially blessed that her sister Ann, her brother Don, and his wife Vickie flew in all the way from Kansas to attend this special event. Marilyn's deepest desire was to return to Kansas someday and so now it is her children's mission is to grant Marilyn's final wish and take her back to Kansas to be laid to rest beside her mom and dad. Marilyn's memory will remain in our hearts always, and she will be dearly missed not only by her family but also by the many who grew to know her and love her. God Bless you, Marilyn . . . We love you dearly and will miss you always and forever. "Grief is the price for love and each tear drop a thank you." Dr. C. Murray Marilyn leaves to mourn: Her 3 children and 7 Grandchildren: Daun (Kevin) Newman and children Sheldon & Jillian of Chetwynd, BC; Lorelei (Mike) Reier and children Alora & Kira of Naniamo, BC; Udell (Angie Sumka) and children Justin, Delillah, & Alaric of Taylor, BC and 2 great grand children, Tucker and Axel. Siblings: John Snavely (Judy) of Iola, Morris "Butch" Snavely of Iola, Charles Snavely of Iola, Ann Born (Ed) of Monroe City, Missouri, Joe Snavely of Iola, Nancy Ruby (Sam) of Iola, and Don Snavely (Vickie) of Iola, Kansas. Marilyn was predeceased by: her mom, Jeanette and dad, Merle Snavely, sister-in-law Shirley Ann Snavely, nephew Justin Snavely, all of Iola, Kansas; her husband's parents Vera and Hyrum Meservy of Farmington, BC and brother-in-law Vonne Meservy of Fort St. John, BC and niece Kimberly Meservy Brown of Wembley, Alta. In lieu of a service, Marilyn joyfully hosted a "living" celebration of life with her family and friends in early November. Therefore, at Marilyn's request, no service will be held. Marilyn will be laid to rest in Iola, Kansas at a later date. Services