Obit: Merow, Erva Elaine (1922 – 2008)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Merow, Kempthorne, Loomis

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) November 26, 2008

Merow, Erva Elaine (23 September 1922 – 21 November 2008)

Erva Elaine Loomis Merow, 86, passed away Friday, Nov. 21, 2008, at Lakeshore Manor Nursing Home, Racine.

Born Sept. 23, 1922, in South Alma, she was the daughter of the late Harland and Isabelle (Kempthorne) Loomis. She loved to tell children she was born in a log cabin, deep in a forest called “The Coulee.” She grew up with the Winnebago Indians and later returned to the reservation to teach the lower four grades.

Erva married Lloyd G. Merow Dec. 27, 1945, in the Methodist Church in Black River Falls. He preceded her in death May 3, 1987.

Erva graduated from Platteville Normal School and began teaching in 1943. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in special education from Carthage College and taught in the Kenosha Unified School District’s Special Education program for 29 years, retiring in 1985.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church. Following the death of her husband, Erva became a volunteer missionary, serving short-terms in Africa, Bolivia and Israel.

Erva was an active volunteer in many church and community organizations. She received the state Easter Seals award for 50 years of volunteer work. This year, Erva was awarded the “Hall of Fame Award” from UW-Platteville.

Erva was a published writer of children’s books and poetry. She loved to dance. Erva especially enjoyed collecting friends and helping those in need.

Survivors include her two sons, Terry (Judy) Merow of Madison and Douglas (Julie) Merow of Kenosha; five grandchildren, Todd (Julie), Michael, Amy, Carrie and Elise (the light of her life); and six great-grandchildren. Erva is also survived by her brother, Guyal (Gertrude) Loomis of Merrillan, and other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, a grandson, Christopher Merow; a brother, Ace Loomis; and a niece, Cathy Loomis, predeceased Erva.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday Nov. 26, at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church (919 – 60th Street). Visitation will be held Wednesday, Nov. 26 at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.

Memorials made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Lakeshore Manor for the loving care given to Erva.