Leah Zurcher

Leah M. Zurcher, 88, of Berne passed away Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at Swiss Village in Berne. She was born March 19, 1933, in Decatur to Eli and Nellie (Worden) Andrews. She was married May 14, 1955, in Berne to Merlin D. Zurcher.  
She was a member of the Berne First Church of the Nazarene, where she was a longtime Sunday school teacher and former organist and pianist, which provided her great joy. She was a high school graduate from Decatur High School. In addition to being a homemaker, she was also employed as store clerk at G.C. Murphy in Decatur and at E.P. Graphics in Berne. She was an avid reader and always aspired to be an author. Additionally, she enjoyed playing the piano and organ, watching the day go by on her porch swing and watching the birds at her home.
She is survived by her husband of Berne; three daughters, Beth (Roger) Reeve of Columbia City; Pam Zurcher of Berne; and Gail (Leroy) Fogwell of Ossian; son, Daniel Zurcher of Swayzee; brother, Albert Andrews of Decatur; nine grandchildren, Chris Reeve; Andrew Reeve; Jared Reeve; Jenn Reeve; Katie Fogwell; Ben Schneider; Barb Schneider-Schulty; Mark Schneider; and Jordan Zurcher; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son, Kevin Dale Zurcher (in infancy); daughter-in-law, Kathy Zurcher; brother, Rev. Paul Andrews; half-brother, Billy Bovine; half-sister, Evelyn Espich; and sister-in-law, Minnie Andrews.
Visitation will be Friday, November 19 from 3-5 and 6-8 p.m. at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne and one hour prior to the 3 p.m. funeral service Saturday, November 20 at First Church of the Nazarene, 604 Sprunger St., Berne. Officiating will be Pastor Matthew Phillips. Burial will be at MRE Cemetery in Berne.
Memorials may be made to Berne First Church of the Nazarene, Gideon’s International or Swiss Village–dementia unit.
Arrangements provided by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.zwickjahn.com.