Merna L. Yehling, age 93, a resident of Naperville, IL, died June 24, 2019, at The Springs at Monarch Landing. She was born March 18, 1926 in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Merna loved the Lord and she loved her family. She prayed for them, hoping they would also love the Lord, trusting them to His care. She took great joy in each of them and each of their accomplishments. She often expressed her thankfulness to be so blessed with "beautiful children, grandchildren and great grandchildren". She was a musician, an artist, an accountant and a wonderful cook. She worked sacrificially inside and outside the home to support her family and her husband in his roles as pastor and professor. She lived through some dark and tumultuous times in history. She faced hardships and difficult circumstances in her life, as we all do. She expressed that she did not always understand or know the answer – but she held fast to the promises in 1 Peter 1:3-9. In verse 6 we read "So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while." (NLT). In her last days, she repeatedly recited Psalm 23, following her Good Shepherd to the wonderful joy ahead.

She is survived by her son, James A. (Mary Kleine) Yehling of Glen Ellyn. Her grandchildren, Katherine (Paul) Dunbar, John (Cami) Yehling, Elisabeth Yehling, Jane Hanna (Scott Shehan) and her six great-grandchildren. Also survived by one niece, Patti, and two nephews: Tim and Frank.

Merna was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Donald, who passed away on September 4, 2013 and her children: Rebecca, Carol and Donald (Sue). Also preceded in death by five siblings.

A visitation will be held Monday, July 1, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home , 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, Illinois where a funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Gardens West in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Wycliffe Bible Translators , P.O. Box 628200, Orlando, FL 32862.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.