Charlene Merz, 77, of Libby

Charlene Merz, of Libby, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012, at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital of natural causes.  

She was the oldest daughter of Charles Carnes and Opal (Hoskins) Carnes.  She was born on Oct. 22, 1934, in Clatskanie, Ore.  

The family moved to Pilot Rock, Ore., when she was two years old.  While growing up in Pilot Rock, she had the honor of being the Oregon State 4H Champion in bread-making, canning and meal preparation during her teenage years.  

Charlene married Larry Merz on March 22, 1954.  

Because of Larry’s job, they moved several times, finally bringing them to Libby in 1970.  

Charlene was active as a Hospice volunteer for many years and was very active in her church, the Libby Assembly of God Church.  She also was an active member of Aglow.  

In 2004, she and Larry celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and church family.  She was preceded in death by both parents.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Larry Merz; her two children Cheri Loosemore and husband, Bob; and Rick Merz and wife, Coleen Merz; grandchildren Spencer Smith and Adam Merz; great-grandchildren Maheala Smith and Jade Smith; sisters Chris Shiffer and Cathy Freeman; brother Charles Carnes Jr.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place at Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby.  

A celebration of her life will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012 at the New Assembly of God Church at the end of Collins Ave in Libby, 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the building fund of the New Assembly of God Church in Libby.