Jenive K. Merida , age 97 of New Castle and formerly of Anderson, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at Glen Oak Health Campus in New Castle after a long, full life.  She was born June 28, 1925 in Chesterfield, the daughter of Harvey and Rosa (Bangle) Crull.  Jenive married her soulmate, Leonard "L.C." Merida on June 25, 1945 and they shared over 60 years of marriage together before his passing in 2005.  She was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker.

Jenive enjoyed cooking delicious meals for her family, sewing, and watching her grandchildren play sports all through the years.  She loved nothing more than spending quality time with her family.  Jenive will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister.

Jenive's family legacy includes a son, Lennie Merida of Noblesville; daughter, Jennifer (Robert) Malloy of New Castle; brother, Bobby (Sherry) Crull of Frankton; 2 grandchildren, Megan (Jody) Bell of New Castle and Matthew (Allison) Malloy of Carmel; 3 great-grandchildren, Kerington, Brendan, and Hank; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.  Jenive was preceded in death by her parents; 7 siblings, Grace Alexander; Thelma Kidwell, Rosemary Smith, Faye Kidwell, Helen Davis, Joan Gardner, and Floyd Crull; and a daughter-in-law, Brenda Merida.

A funeral service celebrating Jenive's life will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Scott Blaylock of Life Church officiating.  Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 12 to 1 pm on Wednesday prior to the funeral at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Glen Oaks Health Campus Activity Fund.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.