Emma M. Flenner 1938-2026

She was born Oct. 27, 1938, in Walkersville, W.Va., a daughter of Cecil Homer and Treassa J. VanKirk.

A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and housekeeper, she resided in Niles for 60 years, where she raised her family with her husband, Daniel Ray Flenner, whom she married Sept. 6, 1962.

Emma never saw a stranger and was always opening her door to family and friends who needed a place to stay.

Emma is survived by her daughter, Mary Jane (Tom) Markovich, with whom she made her home; son, Cecil Flenner of Niles; four grandsons, Daniel Markovich, Jonathan (Brianna) Markovich, Michael (Allison) Krummel and Derek Crislip; great-grandson, Rhys Markovich; two great-granddaughters, Adalyn and Amara Crislip; special great-niece, Bekki (Andrew) Gibbs; and great-nephew, Chuckie VanKirk. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Wilma Demastus, Bernadine (Bill) Nix and Sondra (Edward) Behmer; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Throughout the years, Emma made an impact on so many young lives she treated as family, including Deniel Robinette, whom she thought of as a daughter. She also had a very special neighbor, Erma Lee Freeman, who was like family to her.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Daniel, who passed away May 22, 2022; her daughter, Betty Marie Flenner; her sister, Rose Cottrell; an infant sister; her mother- and father-in-law, Willis and Julia Flenner; and her daughter-in-law, Debbie Flenner.

The family would like to thank her son-in-law, Tom, for the devoted care he gave Emma, which allowed her to remain at home during her medical decline, as well as her caregiver, Kelly Cochran, who was so caring of her this last year; she was the highlight of Emma’s day.

The family also thanks Mercy Health Hospice of the Valley by Compassus for their amazing care. “They were our angels on Earth.”

Honoring Emma’s wishes, there will be no services. Her cremated remains will be buried with her husband in Kerr Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Health Hospice of the Valley by Compassus.

Arrangements by Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home in Niles. Visit holetonyuhasz.com to view this tribute and share condolences.

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