Obituary of MerryAnn Nehlen

MerryAnn Nehlen, 82, of Morgantown, passed away on Monday, January 28, 2019, at her residence surrounded by her family.

She was born in Akron, Ohio, on December 25, 1936, the daughter of the late Paul and Florence (Griffith) Chopson.

MerryAnn was a long-time active member of Avery United Methodist Church and was the organizer of the church's bazaar for many years. She was known to be very crafty and an active Bridge Club member.

She was the First Lady of WVU football for 21 years and performed this role with the utmost dignity and class. She was actually the driving force behind her husband implementing the WVU Athletic Department getting involved with WVU Hospital in raising funds for the children. MerryAnn literally lit up the room with her presence. She was the head of the class and known for her great smile and beautiful gray hair.

Her family was by far the most important part of her life. She was the most kind, caring, and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who loved nothing more than spending time with her family.

She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Donald Nehlen; son, Dan Nehlen and wife, Janie; daughter, Vicky Hostetler and husband, Jeff; grandchildren: Jason Hostetler and wife, Amy, Justin Hostetler, Tyler Hostetler and wife, Abby, Ryan Nehlen and wife, Micah, and Danielle Bishoff and husband, Demetrious; great-grandchildren: Alexis, Emma, Aiden, Zoe; sister, Donna Brendus and husband, John; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Susan Russ.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation services will be provided by Hastings Funeral Home, Omega Crematory.

Family and friends will be received at the Erickson Alumni Center, 1 Alumni Drive, Morgantown, on Thursday, January 31, 2019, from 6-8 p.m. and again on Friday, February 1st from 10 a.m. – 12 P.M. A private memorial service for close friends and family will be held at 3 p.m. at Avery United Methodist Church, 1152 Cheat Road, Morgantown, with Rev. Jenny Williams officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 1299 Pineview Drive, #3, Morgantown, WV 26505.

The family would like to express their extreme gratefulness towards the seven caregivers who became angels to the family and became part of the family.

Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com