Mary Frances Chvila

Mary Frances Chvila, 87, of Baroda, passed away Thursday, July 6, 2006 at her home. Following Mary’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services. Burial will be in Lincoln Township Cemetery in Stevensville. Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road in St. Joseph has been entrusted with the arrangements. Memorials may be made to either to the Area Agency on Aging or to Hospice at Home. Friends wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Mary was born on July 9, 1918 in Chicago, IL. She married John Chvila and had three children, John, Marilyn, & Sharon. Together they owned and operated Chvila Mink Ranch for many years. She was a member of the Czech Club and was well known for her Bohemian baking and cooking. She loved her flowers. She most enjoyed and looked forward to her children and grandchildren coming to visit. Mary is survived by her children, John Chvila of Bridgman, Marilyn Sparks of Muskegon, and Sharon (Tom) Merrill of St. Joseph, who took care of her mother; 5 grandchildren, who include Thomas, Merrill, Jr. of Eau Claire and John (Stephanie) Merrill of Baroda; several great-grandchildren who include Casey Jean and Allie Ann Merrill. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, John Chvila in 1981; her brother, Frank Jirmasek; and by her sister, Helen Jirmasek. “A heart of gold stopped beating, Two shining eyes at rest, God broke our hearts to prove, He only takes the best. God knows you had to leave us, But you did not go alone, For part of us went with you, The day He took you home. To some you are forgotten, To others just part of the past, But to us who loved and lost you, The memory will always last.”