Born in East Cocalico Township, Lancaster County, PA, she was a daughter of the late Phares K. "Pit" Steffy and the late Mary E. (Stricker) Steffy, who died April 9th of this year. Merla was a member of Akron Church of the Brethren. She was an avid gardner, great cook and enjoyed sewing. She was employed many years ago at the former Cinderella Knitting Mill, Denver, Walter W. Moyer, Inc., Ephrata, and retired in June 1983 after 26 years with the former C & B Trimming, Reamstown. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Kenneth Eshleman; a son, Kenneth L., married to Deborah M. (Jones) Eshleman, Stevens, PA; a daughter, Vivian A., married to David K. Kopp, Reinholds, PA; 5 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. Also 2 sisters, Rosalie Crawford, Stevens, PA; and Nancy, married to Lamar Seifrit, Denver, PA; and 4 brothers, John, married to Alberta (DeLong) Steffy, and Thomas, married to Bonnie (Althouse) Steffy, both of Reamstown, PA; and Richard, married to Cathy (Hartranft) Steffy, and Terry, married to Susan (Summers) Steffy, both of Stevens, PA; A brother, Clarence "Mike" Steffy died in
1999. Merla and Kenneth lived at 1261 Red Run Road, Stevens, where she was stricken ill unexpectedly Friday evening. She died Tuesday afternoon at 4:34 PM in the Ephrata Community Hospital.

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It was Merla's wish that her services be held privately by her family from our parlor. Burial will be in Middle Creek Brethren Cemetery, Ephrata Township. Kindly omit flowers, contributions may be sent in her memory to the church's Memorial Fund, Akron Church of the Brethren, 621A Main Street, Akron, PA 17501.