Former New Bremen resident Mary Ellen Ahlers, 77, died at 12:55 a.m. Feb. 1, 2010, at Worthington Christian Village.

She was born Jan. 12, 1933, in Wapakoneta, to Donald and Mary Berlet Archer. On Aug. 27, 1955, she married Merlin Ahlers, who died in April 2003.

Surviving is a daughter, Patricia (Greg) Allenby, Worthington; a son, Kenneth Ahlers, Lima; a brother, Donald (Carol) Archer, Rowlett, Texas; and two grandchildren.

She was a registered nurse who trained at St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima, and worked for approximately 25 years at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys. She was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, New Bremen, and volunteered for its Sunday school program. She also was a member of the Hawthorne Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, Wapakoneta, and the Woodmen of the World Circle, New Bremen. She also was a member of the New Bremen PTA, the New Bremen Historic Association and volunteered for the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society.

Services are 2 p.m. Saturday at Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen, the Rev. Rebecca Erb Strang officiating. Burial is at German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen.

Calling is from noon Saturday until the time of services at the funeral home.

Contributions can be made to the church.