Merlene R. Dickinson, 77, of Oregon, Ohio passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, October 21, 2024 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Merlene was born on May 12, 1947 in Fremont, Ohio, to Merryl and Arline (Woleslagel) Havener.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Kari (Joe) Nowak, Jason Dickinson, and Brandee (Kenny) Grosjean; grandchildren; James (Allie) Dickinson, Brooke Nowak, Kaitlyn Nowak, Savannah Grosjean, Seth Grosjean, and great granddaughter; Lorelai Dickinson.

Merlene was preceded in death by her parents, sister; Karen Morse, and brother; William Havener.

Over the years, Merlene's family lived in Fremont, Bellevue, and Perrysburg. They finally settled in Curtice, Ohio where her parents owned and operated Havener's Market. She and her siblings often helped operate the market.

Merlene graduated from Genoa High School in 1965 where she was crowned Homecoming Queen her senior year. She had an outgoing personality and was well loved by all. Her friends called her by the nickname "Mert". Where the nickname came from is a mystery. When asked, she said someone started calling her by that name and it just stuck.

She attended Bowling Green State University.

Mert worked at St. Charles Hospital as a secretary in the Lab from 1979-1994. She worked as a billing specialist for East Toledo Family Center and Mercy Health before retiring.

In her free time, Merlene could always be found reading a good book or crafting. It wasn't until the year 2000 that she discovered she had a talent for arranging artificial flowers. Her handmade floral arrangements and wreaths looked like they were professionally done. Every holiday and season brought about new creations. Friends and family proudly display her handmade arrangements in their homes.

She enjoyed spending time with family. Children and grandchildren gathered at her home every Wednesday and alternated cooking family dinner. Much laughter and the occasional animal sound could be heard coming from her home as, Lorelai age 2, learned how to imitate animal sounds. The entire family would chime in celebrating the success of each sound. The family favorite was definitely the sound of a wolf...and bringing yet another youngster "into the wolf pack".

Merlene was an animal lover and it was evident in the amount of spoiling her yorkshire terrier, Lacey, received. She would often take Lacey for a ride in the car around her apartment complex, and provided her with an abundance of doggie toys and treats.

Mert cherished her visits to the Toledo Zoo with her children and grandchildren. She loved learning about, and sharing her knowledge of animals.

Merlene loved the great outdoors and enjoyed camping when her children were young. The favorite location of the family was in the Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania. When they weren't hauling the camper and traveling. They could be found spending summers at a permanent camping site located at Williston Campground in Williston, Ohio.

Merlene enjoyed her visiting her daughter, Brandee, and her family in Montana. Looking at the vast mountain ranges, seeing wild horses, buffalo, and visiting Yellowstone National Park were some of the highlights of her visits.

To honor Merlene's wishes, there will be no services held. Memorial contributions in Merlene's memory may be made to the Toledo Zoo or the Toledo Humane Society.