Submitted by: Dan Rich

Obituary: Eva B. Mahler

Jan. 1, 1918 -- Jan. 3, 2006

South Bend Tribune 1/5/2006

Bernice Mahler, 88, of South Bend, went home to her Lord at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2006, in Memorial Hospital.

She was born January 1, 1918, to the late Howard and Mary Elizabeth (Riffle) Mendenhall, and had been a lifelong area resident. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Geraldine Diehl and a brother, Kenneth Mendenhall.

Bernice was married on April 15, 1938, in South Bend, to Ernest B. Mahler, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Jeanine (Robert) Beard of Summerville, SC, and Ruth (William) Hanley of South Bend. There are four grandchildren, Kanda (Ken) Snyder, Kim (Brad) Stewart, Wendy Swieczkowski and Curtis (Lori) Johnson; eight great-grandchildren, Sarah, Cayla, Jamison, Kelsey, Nichole, Gregory, Alynda and Jeremiah; two brothers, Howard (Estine) Mendenhall of Mishawaka and Paul Mendenhall of Sebring, FL. Also surviving are an extended family member, Roger "Tim" Smith of Mishawaka; numerous nieces and nephews; and Ernest's brother, Rev. Arthur (Louise) Mahler, who were best of friends.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 7, 2006, in Calvary Chapel Church. Pastor Bob Moore will officiate. Entombment will follow at Riverview Cemetery, South Bend. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p. m. Friday in the church.

Bernice graduated from South Bend Central High School and was a member of Calvary Chapel. She was a very special woman to all who knew her. She was loved and respected, and because of her strong faith and relationship with her Jesus, she set an example for many. Ernest and Bernice were sweethearts and, to this day, they were deeply in love through their marriage of 67 years.

Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Chapel, 53494 Fir Road, Granger, IN 46530.

Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, is handling arrangements. (nf)