Naomi C. Mechling

Naomi C. Mechling, 94, Benton Harbor, passed away on Monday, November 14, 2011 at Lakeland Continuing Care Center, St. Joseph. A Memorial Gathering will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 17, 2011 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. A private inurnment will take place at a later date at Riverview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph First United Methodist Church. Those wishing to sign the guestbook online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Naomi was born on July 8, 1917 in Rochester, IN to Clarence and Pearl ( Ehlinger) Willard. She married Raymond F. Mechling on May 9, 1942 in Elkhart. Naomi was a member of St. Joseph First United Methodist Church. She was a life member of the Eastern Star and the Elks Auxiliary. Naomi volunteered for many years at the former Mercy and Memorial Hospitals. She enjoyed playing the organ and going out to dinner with friends. Naomi is survived by her two daughters, Kay Wichner of St. Joseph and Jane (John) Tolhuizen of Benton Harbor; two grandchildren, Melissa (Michael) Loeffelholz and Michelle (Jason) Manni ; four great-grandchildren; and by a sister, Phyllis Replogle of Elkhart. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.