Cleola "Marvella" Derenge
Title
Cleola "Marvella" Derenge
Source
Willis Funeral Home
Date
January 9, 2023
Text
Cleola “Marvella” (Keels) Derenge, also known as “Grandmere,” was a beloved great grandmother, grandmother, mother, friend, and wife during her incredible 88 years of life. She passed away peacefully in the early afternoon on Monday, January 9, 2023.
Marvella had a long full life. She was born on August 18, 1934 in Gallipolis, Ohio to Henderson and Ada Keels of Bidwell, Ohio. She was the little sister to Audry Jean (Keels) Pryor. Marvella enjoyed evening walks on the family farm and fondly commented on the animals. She also loved traveling to the beach and spending time with her family.
In 1952, Marvella graduated from Raccoon Township High School in Rio Grande. She had a fulfilling career as the switchboard operator at The University of Rio Grande Community College for a total of 23 years, circa 1971-1981, then 1991-2004. Her voice was a warm and cheery greeting for all who called the University. Marvella was always seen on campus wearing sharp clothing, high heels, and a beautiful smile. She smelled of her favorite perfumes, had manicured nails and perfect makeup.
Marvella gave birth to her amazing daughter, Brenda Kay (Smith) Elkins on April 8, 1953. From that point on, she was a completely dedicated and devoted mother and grandmother to Brenda and her three children, Brooke, Brent, and Jason. In 1982, she married the love of her life, Larry Derenge. They lived in Apple Grove, West Virginia, where she resided until 2018. She was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Point Pleasant, West Virginia.
Marvella is survived by her grandchildren, Brooke Stoerkel (David Divelbiss) of Fredericktown, Ohio, Brent Elkins (Jacquelene Jones) of Mt. Nebo, West Virginia, and Jason Elkins (Stephanie) of Ewa Beach, Hawaii and 12 great grandchildren: Haley Elkins, Mason Elkins, Rieley-Eden Elkins, Jaxen Stoerkel, Mya Stoerkel, Taytum Elkins, Caroline Elkins, Brantley Elkins, Natalia Elkins, Weston Elkins, Lara Elkins and Adalynn Elkins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; daughter, Brenda; and sister, Audry Jean (Keels) Pryor.
A service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 13, 2023 at Willis Funeral Home, Gallipolis with Father Thomas Hamm officiating. Burial will follow in Kirkland Memorial Gardens. Friends may call prior to the service Friday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the funeral home. We invite anyone who would like to participate to wear your fanciest hat in memory of Marvella “Grandmere.
Marvella had a long full life. She was born on August 18, 1934 in Gallipolis, Ohio to Henderson and Ada Keels of Bidwell, Ohio. She was the little sister to Audry Jean (Keels) Pryor. Marvella enjoyed evening walks on the family farm and fondly commented on the animals. She also loved traveling to the beach and spending time with her family.
In 1952, Marvella graduated from Raccoon Township High School in Rio Grande. She had a fulfilling career as the switchboard operator at The University of Rio Grande Community College for a total of 23 years, circa 1971-1981, then 1991-2004. Her voice was a warm and cheery greeting for all who called the University. Marvella was always seen on campus wearing sharp clothing, high heels, and a beautiful smile. She smelled of her favorite perfumes, had manicured nails and perfect makeup.
Marvella gave birth to her amazing daughter, Brenda Kay (Smith) Elkins on April 8, 1953. From that point on, she was a completely dedicated and devoted mother and grandmother to Brenda and her three children, Brooke, Brent, and Jason. In 1982, she married the love of her life, Larry Derenge. They lived in Apple Grove, West Virginia, where she resided until 2018. She was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Point Pleasant, West Virginia.
Marvella is survived by her grandchildren, Brooke Stoerkel (David Divelbiss) of Fredericktown, Ohio, Brent Elkins (Jacquelene Jones) of Mt. Nebo, West Virginia, and Jason Elkins (Stephanie) of Ewa Beach, Hawaii and 12 great grandchildren: Haley Elkins, Mason Elkins, Rieley-Eden Elkins, Jaxen Stoerkel, Mya Stoerkel, Taytum Elkins, Caroline Elkins, Brantley Elkins, Natalia Elkins, Weston Elkins, Lara Elkins and Adalynn Elkins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; daughter, Brenda; and sister, Audry Jean (Keels) Pryor.
A service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 13, 2023 at Willis Funeral Home, Gallipolis with Father Thomas Hamm officiating. Burial will follow in Kirkland Memorial Gardens. Friends may call prior to the service Friday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the funeral home. We invite anyone who would like to participate to wear your fanciest hat in memory of Marvella “Grandmere.
Original Format
Collection
Citation
“Cleola "Marvella" Derenge,” Meigs County Library History Site, accessed November 23, 2024, https://history.meigslibrary.org/items/show/23794.