Catherine Marguerite "Marge" Fleming Akerman, 97, formerly of Ohio City, departed this world to be with the Lord at noon on Nov. 7, 2013, at The Laurels of Shane Hill.

She was born June 21, 1916, in Jackson Township, Allen County to Frank and Cathern Ream Fleming. On Jan. 15, 1937, she married David W. Akerman, who died in May of 1967.

Surviving are a daughter, Lovest Sue May, Celina; sons, David (Diane) Akerman and Phillip (Melody) Akerman, all of Van Wert, and Irvin Michael "Mike" (Shelly) Akerman, Gray, Ga.; a daughter-in-law, Evelyn Akerman, Houston, Texas; 22 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren and a host of loving and caring nieces and nephews.

Deceased are a daughter, Karen Christian; a son, Rev. H. Eldon "Cliff" Akerman; a son-in-law, Joe May; and several brothers and sisters.

She graduated from Lafayette High School in 1934 as valedictorian of her class. She faithfully served St. John's Lutheran Church, Ohio City, where she taught Sunday School for a number of years. She had worked at Federal Mogul and Van Wert Manufacturing. She also had a green thumb for growing plants and flowers and loved watching the birds. She could tell the weather by the way the birds were flying.

Calling is 3-6 p.m. Sunday at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, with a memorial service conducted by Pastor Denise Brown.

Memorial donations may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church of Ohio City or the Ohio City Fire Dept. Or, plant a flower or feed some birds, as she would love that just as well.

Expressions of sympathy may be left at cowanfuneralhome.com.