Leah M. Zurcher

Leah M. Zurcher, 88, of Berne, Indiana passed away Tuesday afternoon, November 16, 2021, at Swiss Village.

She was born March 19, 1933 Decatur, Indiana to Eli and Nellie (Worden) Andrews.  Leah was united in marriage to Merlin D. Zurcher on May 14, 1955 in Berne, Indiana.

She was a member of the Berne First Church of the Nazarene where she was a longtime Sunday school teacher, former organist and pianist, which provided her great joy.

Leah was a high school graduate from Decatur High School. In addition to being a homemaker, she was also employed as store clerk at G.C. Murphy in Decatur and also at E.P. Graphics in Berne.

Leah was an avid reader and always aspired to be an author.  Additionally, she enjoyed playing the piano and organ, watching the day go by on her porch swing, and watching the birds at her home.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Merlin D. Zurcher of Berne, Indiana; three daughters, Beth (Roger) Reeve of Columbia City, Indiana, Pam Zurcher of Berne, Indiana; and Gail (Leroy) Fogwell of Ossian, Indiana; son, Daniel Zurcher of Swayzee, Indiana; brother, Albert Andrews of Decatur, Indiana; nine grandchildren, Chris Reeve, Andrew Reeve, Jared Reeve, Jenn Reeve, Katie Fogwell, Ben Schneider, Barb Schneider – Schulty, Mark Schneider, and Jordan Zurcher; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Dale Zurcher (in infancy); daughter-in-law, Kathy Zurcher; brother, Rev. Paul Andrews; half-brother, Billy Bovine; half-sister, Evelyn Espich; and sister-in-law, Minnie Andrews.

A funeral service for Leah will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, November 20, 2021, at the First Church of the Nazarene, 604 Sprunger Street in Berne with Pastor Matthew Phillips officiating.  Burial will follow at MRE Cemetery in Berne.

Friends and family will be received on Friday, November 19, 2021, from 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager – Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Preferred memorials can be made to Berne First Church of the Nazarene, Gideon’s International, or Swiss Village–Dementia Unit.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne, Indiana.