Merle A. Toms, 104, formerly of Lake St., Negaunee, passed away peacefully while in the care of her family on Friday evening, December 8, 2017 at the Eastwood Nursing Center, where she had resided since May, 2011.
Merle was born February 13, 1913 in Negaunee to Joseph and Ida (Tresseder) Hampton, graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1930 and was a lifelong resident of Negaunee. She married Rolland John ‘Jack’ Toms on June 2, 1934 in Negaunee and together they raised two children, David and Marlene.
Merle was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. She enjoyed being a homemaker and spending time with her family. She especially enjoyed going to camp in the summer. Mrs. Toms was a member of Mitchell United Methodist Church, Negaunee.
Surviving are her son, David (Florence) Toms of Ishpeming; daughter, Marlene (John) Ennett of Negaunee; 3 granddaughters: Sheri (Gary) Johnson of Ishpeming, Patti (Terry) Kainulainen of Negaunee, and Jamie (Bill) Morrison of San Antonio, Texas; 4 great-grandchildren: Michelle and Nicole Johnson and Jack and Seth Morrison; a cousin; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 59 years, ‘Jack’ on June 8, 1993; her sister, Audrey Laurila; a brother, Joseph Hampton; and an infant great-granddaughter, Hope Elizabeth Morrison.
Honoring Merle’s wishes, graveside service will held at the Negaunee Cemetery in the spring of 2018. Memorial contributions may be directed in Merle’s memory to the Mitchell United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, PO Box 190, Negaunee, or the Eastwood Nursing Center Activities Fund, 900 Maas St., Negaunee.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Kroll and to the staff at Eastwood Nursing Center for their compassionate care.
Merle’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com, where memories and condolences may be shared.
We love you Mom and Gram. We will miss you.
“The Broken Chain”
We little knew that morning, God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone, for part of us was with you, the day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
By: Ron Tranmer

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