Mary Ellen Mechling, 81, passed away March 16, 2010 in her Edwardsburg home, among her family, after a battle with cancer.

Mary Ellen was born May 7, 1928 in Bremen, Ind. to Harvey and Dessie (Hechaman) Miller. She came to Edwardsburg from Roseland, Ind.

She married the love of her life, Gerald L. Mechling, on Oct. 30, 1948 in Bremen and they were married for 60 years before he preceded her in death Oct 23, 2008.

They put down their roots on a small farm in Edwardsburg in 1962, where they raised large gardens and large sons, lovely flowers and lovely daughters, and left a legacy of five children.

Mary Ellen retired from Uniroyal (Ball Band), where she made shoes and boots, after 30 years of service. Her family was her pride and joy. She was the most content and happiest when she was doing something for others so they could receive a blessing. Mary Ellen was a rare and precious jewel and will forever be in our hearts and memories.

She is survived by her sons, Raymond (Kimberly) Mechling, Jeff (Pamela) Mechling and Harvey Allen Mechling (who passed as a child); a daughter, Becky (Roger) Shields; and a son-in-law, Gary Mersburgh. All the children live in Edwardsburg.

Other family who survive are a sister, Nila (husband J.C.) Wilcox, of North Judson, Ind.; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; a son, Harvey; a daughter, Sandy; and two brothers, Aldon Miller and Jimmy Miller.

Funeral services will be Monday, March 22, 2010 at 1 p.m. at Community Baptist Church of Edwardsburg, 28647 U.S. Highway 12 West. Officiating will be the Rev. Thaddeus Stout, pastor. Friends may call Monday at the church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at service time.

Burial will follow at Edwardsburg Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Ribbon of Hope Inc., 600 East Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514.

Arrangements were made by Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.