Charlene Ruth (Kieft) Merz

Charlene Ruth Merz, age 77, of Grand Haven, moved from the little cabin in the woods to the mansion in the sky on Sunday, November 3, 2024, while at home. She was born on November 24, 1946, in Grand Haven, MI, to the late William and Ruth (Briegel) Kieft. Char married Wayne Merz on September 2, 1976, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Grand Haven.

Char graduated from Grand Haven High School and was an active member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Grand Haven, where she was involved with the Youth Ministry, Youth for Christ organization, and Young Calvist Administration and Youth Create Project. She went on her first of several Mission trips to Haiti in 1988 and spent 35 years going on Mission trips to Honduras, and the Dominican Republic, where she would spend a month at a time helping those in need. Char was also a part of All God’s Children Ministry which grew to 250 children, and she started Hands in Service Group in 2005. Char enjoyed her job working in administration at the church, as well as quilting and gardening.

Char will be lovingly remembered and missed by her husband of 48 years, Wayne; and her son, David (Amy) Merz; two grandchildren, Hans and Devin Merz; two brothers, William (Sue) Kieft and Dennis (Jane) Kieft; brother-in-law, Roger (Caroline) Merz; and several nieces and nephews.

The Memorial Service for Char will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, with Pastor Matt Schmidt officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charlene Ruth (Kieft) Merz, please visit our floral store.