_____ Carmi Times Tue Feb 09, 2010 Maryville, Tenn. - Ethel E. Gerkin completed her faithful service on earth as a minister's wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother on Feb. 9, 2010 in Maryville, Tenn. Her life's journey began Nov. 2, 1914 in Enfield, Ill. She was the final surviving child of the Jacob and Hattie Ehrhardt family. She assisted her husband, Rufus G.D. Gerkin, during 66 years of marriage and ministry to Christian Churches in Indiana and Illinois. The Gerkins retired to a residence in Seymour, Tenn. in 1999 and became members of Seymour Heights Christian Church. They received the 2005 Distinguished Service Award from Johnson Bible College in Knoxville. Following the March 2007 passing of Rufus, Ethel became a resident of Fairpark Healthcare Center. Her special interests included playing piano, singing, sewing and gardening. Her first son, David, and his wife, Pat, both preceded her passing. Her daughter, Donna Sue (Robert) Berry of Seymour, and son, Don (Bonnie) of Atwood, Ill., grieve her passing. Grandchildren include Steve (Adriana), Jeff (Elizabeth) and Pam (Todd) Callahan of son David; Cindy (Phillip) McRary and Tim (Stephanie) Berry of daughter Donna Sue; and David, Joshua, Jenni (Trevor) and Brandon of son Don. Great-grandchildren are Kyle, Beth Anne and Samuel McRary; Harrison, Sonora and Gretta Berry; Jake and Jaxson Callahan; Meredith and Alex Gerkin; and Amanda and Daniel Gerkin. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Rufus and Ethel Gerkin scholarship fund at Johnson Bible College, Knoxville, Tenn. Family will receive friends at Atchley Funeral Home, Seymour on Wednesday, Feb. 10 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., with a brief service at 8 p.m. with Dr. David Eubanks officiating. Final committal will take place in Carmi. Arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, 122 Peacock Court, Seymour, TN 37865, 865-577-2807 (www.atchleyfuneralhome.com)