A loving mother and grandmother, friend to many, lover of nature, lakes and flowers, Merle Clark (nee Kucheman) Pender, of Chardon, died peacefully on Sept. 20, 2024, at the age of 103, at Vista Springs Quail Hollow Assisted Living in Concord Township.
Merle is survived by her three children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren: son, Rick Pender (Joan Kaup), of Cincinnati, grandson Geoff (Danielle) Pender and great-grandchildren Lucas and Siena; daughter Janice McManus, of Painesville, Ohio, grandson Shawn McManus (Richelle Blankenship), of Ashtabula; granddaughter Katie (Jeff) Yeary, of Madison, Ohio, and great-grandson J.J.; and daughter Lynn Marinaccio, of Mahwah, N.J., and granddaughters Kristen and Kelly.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin Pender, of Chardon, (1922-2003); daughter Patricia Lynn Pender (1951-1954); and brother, Kent Kucheman, of Akron (1925-2008).
Merle was born on March 5, 1921, in Bellevue, Iowa, to Marc and Frances Kucheman. Her family moved to Akron in 1928 and she graduated from Buchtel High School in 1939 and the University of Akron in 1943 with a major in Latin.
She was an active member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, both during her college years and beyond through Panhellenic.
During World War II, she worked as a civilian administrative assistant (otherwise known as a “Code Girl”) for the U.S. Army Signal Corps.
Merle married Frank Pender of Akron on June 1, 1946. After living in Akron and Yorktown, Va., when Frank was recalled to active Naval duty in 1951 for two years during the Korean War. After returning to Akron in 1954, the family moved to the Bass Lake community in Munson Township, west of Chardon.
She and Frank were active members and leaders of the Bass Lake Club; she was its secretary for many years. They made many lifelong friends at Bass Lake and she especially loved living near the beautiful lake.
Merle was also engaged in activities at Chardon’s Pilgrim Christian Church.
Merle continued her education at Kent State University, pursuing a graduate degree in library science. She worked for several years in the library at Chardon Middle School.
She served for many years in an administrative capacity for the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, processing jury summons.
Following Frank’s death, Merle moved to the Breckenridge Retirement Community in 2004, made many friends there, and enjoyed an active social life.
In 2019, she moved to Vista Springs Quail Hollow, an assisted living community. In 2021, she celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by her loving children, grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Her family wishes to express their profound gratitude to the staff at Vista Springs Quail Hollow and Hospice of Western Reserve for their care during Merle’s final days.
Private burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Akron.
Contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society, The Jimmy Fund or another charity of choice.
Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home in Chardon. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.
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