Owen Terrell

Merna Essley

Vessey Funeral Service - Fort Collins

David Martinez

Anderson Middlebrooks

Altogether<br/>4307 Vineland Road, Suite H-17-19, Orlando, FL 32811<br/>For more information, visit our website at <a href='www.altogetherfuneral.com'>www.altogetherfuneral.com</a><br/>Copyright © 2025 FPG Intermediate Holdco, LLC

Obituary

Merna Lou (Hansen) Essley, age 81 of Pierce, Colorado was called suddenly to tend her heavenly garden Friday, November 1, 2019. Merna was born October 6, 1938, to Nels and Ruth (Shinn) Hansen in Saint Paul, Nebraska. Her education began in a one-room schoolhouse in Villisca, Iowa and she graduated high school in Grand Island, Nebraska. Merna continued her education at the Nebraska Vocational School of Practical Nursing in Alliance, Nebraska where she earned a degree in Nursing. She had a very rewarding career caring for others in the nursing field. In her later years, she did home health and enjoyed caring for hospice patients. 

Merna bumped into the soon to be, love of her life while working at the hospital. On April 28, 1962, Merna was united in marriage to Charles LeVern Essley. This union was blessed with three children Arla Vickilyn, Ralph Curtis and Loren Keith Essley. Ralph was called home at the early age of 15 due to cystic fibrosis. The couple enjoyed 46 years together.

Merna had many interests and hobbies, some of her favorites were reading, gardening, quilting and was often seen crocheting something. She also enjoyed camping, traveling and spending time with family and friends. Merna was active in church activities and was a member of the Timberline Church in Fort Collins. She also participated in several groups including, Red Hat Society-Faith Sisters, Project Linus (a group making blankets of love for children in need), and Ault Book Club, Pierce Senior Center, Eaton Senior Center. 

Merna was loved and cherished by all who knew her, she had a big giving heart and shared kindness wherever life's path took her. Merna never met a person she couldn't be a friend to and was never at a loss for an encouraging word, warm smile, or heartfelt prayers. Merna truly was a lighthouse in the stormes of life and made you feel like you weren't alone. Many have heard her meaningfully say "God loves you and so do I" or "Do your best, and let God do the rest". She will always be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and friend, whose greatest passion was helping others. 

Merna is preceded in death by her parents, son Ralph Essley, her husband of 46 years Charles, and brother, Thornton (Thorney) Hansen.

Survived by a daughter, Arla Vickilyn (James) Sims; son, Loren Keith (Cindy Sandoval) Essley, grandsons, Marshall Curtis and Lance Nathaniel Sims and Micheal Lynn and Austin (AJ) Jeremiah Essley; special son, Kevin (Marjorie) Dollen; sister-in-law Vicki Hansen; sister-in-law MaryEllen, many other family members and friends to cherish her rich memories 

A viewing will be held at Vessey Funeral Service, Friday, November 8, 2019, 4-7:00 PM. Funeral Service, Saturday, November 9, 2019, 10 AM, Timberline Church in Ft. Collins. 

Merna's life was a living example of one of her favorite Bible verses, Ephesians 4:32 - "And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ." 

Visitation
Vessey Funeral Service 
Friday, November 08, 2019 

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM 

Email Details 

2649 E Mulberry St., A-1
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 
Directions 
Funeral Service
Timberline Church 
Saturday, November 09, 2019 

10:00 AM 

Email Details 

2908 S. Timberline
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525 
Directions

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Merna Essley Obituary | Altogether