Anita Gerken

Anita Mae Gerken 73, died at 5:15 p.m. July 7, 2009, at The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio. She was born May 21, 1936, in Pedro, Ohio to Harley and Mahala Rowe Weisenberger, who preceded her in death. On May 2, 1959, in Portsmouth, she married Lawrence T. Gerken, who died Feb. 12, 1990. Mrs. Gerken was a homemaker. She was a volunteer at St. Rita?s Medical Center for several years and was affiliated with the YMCA. She was a very dedicated and loving mother and wife. Survivors include three sons, Timothy M. Gerken, of Grove City, Ohio, Patrick T. (Teresa) Gerken, of Lima, Ohio, and Joseph T. (Jeanne) Gerken, of Grove City, Ohio; two daughters, Teresa L. Gerken, of Cridersville, Ohio, and Jennifer N. (Jim) Polutnik, of Lima, Ohio; five grandchildren, Karlin, Kelsey, Ally, Thomas and Kari-Lynn; a brother, Floyd Weisenberger, of Dayton, Ohio; and a sister, Inez Emerson, of Sidney, Ohio. She was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters. Services will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Pastor James Oates will officiate. Burial will be in Gethsemani Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to services Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Marmon Valley Ministries/Camp Scholarship Fund, 7754 state Route 292, Zanesfield, OH 43360. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamber lainhuckeriede.com.