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Ellen Louise Denzer Kerns, 94, of West Mansfield, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Pat and Dave Johnson of Reynoldsburg, where she had resided the last five years.
She was born in Dennison on March 25, 1921, to the late Earl and Mary Denzer.
On March 17, 1946, she married Charles Fredric Kerns, who died April 6, 2004.
Also surviving are another daughter, Jane Kerns of Honolulu; a son, Mike (Melanie) Kerns of Findlay; and three grandchildren, Tom Johnson of Denton, Texas, Eric Kerns of West Chester and Rachel Kerns of Findlay.
A 1939 graduate of Dennison High School, she received her registered nursing degree from Grant Hospital in 1942, and subsequently worked for a Columbus medical doctor in his private practice.
Ellen assisted her husband, Fred ,and nephew, Don Kerns in their veterinary practices. She and Fred enjoyed traveling with close friends to fish and visit national landmarks in the United States and Canada. She enjoyed travels with family to Mexico, New York City and Hawaii.
Ellen was active in the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, the Harriet Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, the American Legion Auxiliary, King’s Daughters and the local music club. She was a gifted pianist who loved playing duets and ragtime. She sang in and directed choirs for the church, and was inducted into their music hall of fame in 2011. The private piano lessons she taught into her early 80s often included sharing fresh-baked cookies, making hollyhock dolls and scouting out the latest litter of kittens in the family garage.
Her family will always remember her as a great comfort-food cook and delicious pie, cake and cookie baker, an energetic seamstress and afghan knitter, a fun-loving birthday and Halloween party giver, and an avid reader. She tirelessly supported the West Mansfield community, serving on the election and library boards. Relatives and friends will remember her thoughtful letters, phone calls, birthday and Christmas cards, as recently as this past holiday season.
The Rev. Doug Thompson officiates a funeral at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at the Mannasmith-Schnurrenberger Funeral Home, West Mansfield, where visitation is two hours prior. Burial follows at the Rushsylvania Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the church.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mannasmithfuneralhome.com.