Marlene N. Shiverdecker

Mrs. Marlene Shiverdecker, 82, of Greenville, Ohio, passed away Monday, January 4, 2016, at the State the Heart Hospice Care Center.

She was born on September 9, 1933 in Union City, Ohio, was the daughter of the late Noah and Florence (Peffers) Swallow. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, James B. Shiverdecker whom passed away on February 23, 2014.

Marlene was a homemaker and enjoyed being with her family. There are two passages of scripture that help accurately and beautifully describe Marlene's life. Ephesians 4:2 reads, "Be completely humble and gentle; bearing one another in love." I Corinthians 13:4-8 admonishes, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

Anyone who knew Marlene quickly realized that she had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, having accepted Him as her personal Savior. Because of her faith in Him, she had the strength, wisdom and determination to walk in the center of His will.

Marlene evidenced a servant's heart, giving up her own will and laying aside her own rights in order to serve others, selflessly. For over 50 years, she served others in many ways while attending and being a member of the Greenville Church of the Nazarene. At one time or another, she served on the Church Board, Sunday School Board, and Missionary Council. Marlene always said yes when her help was needed. Over the years she had been involved in ways such as a Church Steward, a pianist and director in various Sunday children's ministry programs, a nursery worker, a Sunday School teacher, and a Vacation Bible School teacher and director. She also served as a tutor/mentor for students in some of Greenville's elementary school classrooms.

Marlene daily demonstrated a heart filled with love of life and for others. She always had a positive attitude and a genuine smile and laugh. Marlene loved her family and was happiest when with her family. She unconditionally loved her husband, children and their spouses, grandchildren, great grandchild, all the pets (theirs and those of other family members), and her extended family. Some of her favorite times with them included birthdays, holidays, fishing trips, shopping trips to Elder-Beerman, and meals at restaurants such as McDonalds, Burger King and Arby's. She loved others. Marlene and her husband were always coming across friends to talk to and reminisce with, no matter where they happened to be at the time.

Marlene's Christ-like heart has provided a powerful legacy for her family and friends. Jesus Christ was Lord of her life and His word was honored. She lived out Philippians 2:3. Her Christ-like heart not only allowed her to treat others as she wanted to be treated, it empowered her to see others as more important than herself.

One of Marlene's favorite hymns was "This is Like heaven to Me." The last verse and refrain are now so meaningful.


Last Verse: "We're looking for Jesus with glory to come-
‘Tis Jesus who died on the tree;
A cloud of bright angels to carry me home-
Oh that will be Heaven to me."
Refrain: "Oh that will be Heaven to me,
Yes, that will be Heaven to me.
A cloud of bright angels to carry me home.
Oh that will be heaven to me."

She was survived by her children, Bevin (Donna) Shiverdecker of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, Joel (Julie) Shiverdecker of North Carolina, and Melina (Larry) Eberst of Greenville; grandchildren, Kelsi (Tim) Tomayko, Kelly Shiverdecker and Adam Shiverdecker; great grandson, Alexandre; brother and sister in law, Noah and Nora Louise Swallow, Union City, Ohio.

A celebration of life will be held at 2PM, Friday, January 8, at Oliver-Floyd Funeral Home in Greenville, Ohio with Pastor Wayne Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in Brock Cemetery near Brock, Ohio.

Family and friends may visit Friday, at the funeral home from 1PM till the time of service. The family would like the memorial contributions be given to Church of the Nazarene, 7584 St. Rt. 118 Greenville, Ohio.