Karen Merkle

Canton – Karen Etta Merkle, 77, former 41 year resident of Pinole, CA, died at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4, 2015 at Renaissance Care Center in Canton.
She was born on July 13, 1937 in Richmond, CA to LaVerne and Doris (Shell) Cooper.
Surviving are three children Dale Merkle of San Francisco, CA, Denise Ruelas of Novato, CA, and Rev. Nina (Rev. Glenn) Nestlerode of Canton, 4 grandchildren Casey Karr, Geneva Karr, Briana Shaffer and Gabriel Nestlerode, and two brothers John Dennis (Vickie) Cooper of Sacramento, CA and Vern (Jane) Cooper of Jacksonville, FL.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons Eric Merkle and Ivan Merkle and her sister Linda Cooper.
She received a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley and was a substitute teacher prior to becoming a mother of five. She was a member of El Sobrante United Methodist Church for 41 years and attended Point Richmond United Methodist Church and Trinity United Methodist Church in Prince Frederick, MD, where she sang in the choir. She was a semi-professional Cellist, performing in the Napa Symphony, Vallejo Symphony and Kensington Community Symphony. She was a member of Club Mendelssohn of Richmond and senior center of Pinole and San Pablo. She enjoyed hiking and was a member of the Sierra Club, East Bay Chapter and was an avid bicyclist and a member of the Diablo Valley Spokesmen.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 9 at the First Christian Church in Canton. Burial will be held at a later date at Willow Creek Cemetery in Hollister, CA.
Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Canton First Christian Church.
Online condolences may be posted at www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.