Sylvia F. Casteel - Merscham

Sylvia Frances (Clarner) Casteel-Merscham, 72, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2015, at her home in Ottawa, with her family by her side. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 2, 2015, at the Cherry Street Wesleyan Church, 933 N. Cherry, Ottawa. In honor of Sylvia, the family is requesting attendees wear KC Royals attire. Family will meet with friends from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 1, 2015, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Interment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa. Sylvia was born Friday, February 26, 1943, in Ottawa, Kansas, the daughter of Harry Sylvester Clarner and Zelda Irene (Armstrong) Clarner-Bostic. She lived in Modesto, California, the first ten years of her life until moving in 1953 to Ottawa, where she made her home until her death. Sylvia was united in marriage with Leon Casteel November 3, 1959. He preceded her in death June 4, 1961. Sylvia married Bobby Merscham August 3, 1963, in Ottawa. They were later divorced. Survivors include her four children, Donna Casteel of Ottawa, James Casteel of Ottawa, Nancy Stover and husband Ralph of Williamsburg, and Rebecca Merscham of Ottawa; siblings, Rodney Mathes of Texas, Larry Bostic and wife Katie of Idaho, Connie Mathes Edwards of Texas, and Lila Bostic Edwards and husband Ted of Ottawa; three grandchildren, Kevin Fowler and wife Cassie of Ottawa, Krysten Fowler of Williamsburg, and Iyonna Shinskia of Overland Park; and four great-grandchildren, Chevy, Zoe, Scarlet, and Ivory Fowler all of Ottawa. She was preceded in death by her first husband; parents; grandparents, Arthur and Lydia Armstrong; and brother, Donnie Mathes. Sylvia was a housewife and stay-at-home mom to her four children. She was an active member of the Cherry Street Wesleyan Church where she taught several different grades of Sunday school, CYC (Christian Youth Crusaders), and Vacation Bible School. She sang in the choir for many years and worked in the kitchen for church hosted funeral dinners. In 1979, Sylvia became an avid KC Royals fan. She faithfully kept stats of every game and had an extensive memorabilia collection. She loved to sew and do crafts. She worked at Christian Care Cottage helping the ladies with craft projects. The family suggests memorial contributions to Cherry Street Wesleyan Church c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to leave their condolences and memories on Sylvia’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com.