Pearl Merlone

Merlone, Pearl H. of Saginaw, Michigan, Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and sister, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 22, 2016 at Covenant HealthCare-Cooper with her family by her side. She was 91 years old. Pearl Helen Challenger was born on September 30, 1924 in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Edward and Anna (Varney) Challenger. She was married to the late Donald R. Merlone; he preceded her in death on July 30, 1998. For the majority of her life, Pearl, was a homemaker. She was a gifted and talented seamstress. In her late 60's she began working at Feige's Interior Design making the most beautiful drapes ever. Pearl enjoyed family gatherings, especially Holiday's where the family would gather to cook, eat, share stories, laugh and reminisce. She will forever be remembered for being a sweet, quiet, caring, loving and gentle soul. Above all, she loved and cherished her family. Surviving are three sons and two daughter: Richard (Cindy) Merlone of NY, Dale (Connie) Merlone of Saginaw, Robert (Dawn) Merlone of Battle Creek, Theresa Merkiel of Tawas, and Susan Merlone; 10 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Wanite Kubik of Saginaw. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by two grandsons, Matthew John Merlone and David Merkiel; a granddaughter, Michelle Arndt; four brothers: Russel, Edward, Eli, and Lawrence. FUNERAL: A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Rev. Fr. T.J. Fleming will officiate. Entombment will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral home on Monday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the American Heart Association. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.