Jane Merkley

E. Jane Merkley, 88, of Chestnut Knoll, Boyertown, and formerly of Norwood, NY, died November 25, 2010. She was the widow of George E. Merkley. Born in Kittanning, she was a daughter of the late Martin and Margaret (Dowling) McKelvey. She received a BA in Elementary Education from Robert Wesleyan College, NY, and a Masters in Education from S.U.N.Y., Pottsdam. She was a kindergarten teacher at the Indian River Central Elementary School, Philadelphia, NY from 1957 until 1965. She then taught Early Childhood Education at the Canton Agriculture & Technical College, Canton, NY from 1969-1975. She was a member of the Kittanning Free Methodist Church, and was a member of the Free Methodist Missionary Society. She helped to found the Seaway Youth For Christ, in Ogdensburg, NY. Surviving is a son, Robert Merkley and his wife, Margaret of Bechtelsville; Sisters: Ruth, wife of John Myette, of Michigan; Melva Tomb, of Pennsylvania; Leah, wife of Robert Snyder, of New York; a sister-in-law, Maggie MacCormick, of North Carolina; and grandchildren: Charles and Lauren Merkley. She was pre-deceased by a brother, Thomas and a sister, Helen. Services will be held on Saturday, December 11, at 1:30 P.M. at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 527 Hoffmansville Rd., Bechtelsville. Arrangements are being handled by the Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pennsburg. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Free Methodist Church, 2339 Freeport Road, Kittanning, PA 16201. To offer on-line condolences, please visit her Book of Memories at www.falkfuneralhomes.com.