Florence Marcella Vogler

Florence Marcella Vogler, 80, of Cottonwood, AZ, passed away on December 31, 2023. She was born June 28, 1943, in Birdseye, Indiana to Oscar Frank Merkel and Rosella Rose Buechler Merkel. Florence grew up on a small farm in southern Indiana with her mother and 3 brothers. Having lost her father at a very early age, her childhood experiences instilled in her a strength that defined her character, a woman of generosity, kindness, deep faith, and honesty. Her love of others and a warming smile defined her. Florence and Dennis became pen pals when she was in high school and he was in the Army. They corresponded for a couple of years before getting married and spending the next 62 years of their lives together. By the age of 24, she had six children. Throughout her life, she was devoted to her husband, family, and faith. Florence took courses in Business Administration at Vincennes University. Not only was she a housewife, she also owned and operated a family hardware and office supply store. She also worked as an office manager for 25 years. She was an avid gardener, loved to can foods, crotchet, and read cookbooks like a novel; she especially loved yellow flowers. Florence and Dennis shared a love for their country and were very patriotic. In later years, the love of their church was expressed in the care of its grounds and surroundings. She was a woman of prayer and deep faith. Her love was expressed in the giving of a homemade meal, the lending of a helping hand, and the offering of prayers for others. These were some of her greatest joys. She had numerous lifelong friends gathered from all the places she and Dennis had resided and travelled. Florence Vogler was the epitome of love. She was a strong woman who was friendly, and helpful to all. Knowing that she now is with Jesus is her family’s greatest comfort. She will forever live in our hearts and be deeply missed. Florence is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Dennis R. Vogler; parents Oscar and Rosella Merkel; daughter Susan Marie Vogler; brother Virgil Merkel; and sister Laverne Merkel. She is survived by sons Mark (Natalie Hardin) Vogler of Fortville, Indiana, Patrick (Debbie Ann Durham) Vogler of Hudson, Wisconsin and Richard (Laura Waldron) Vogler of Crawfordsville, Indiana; daughters Sharon (Richard) Oswald of Fallon, Nevada, and Deborah Vogler of Cottonwood, Arizona; brothers Allen (Marlene) Merkel of Jasper, Indiana, and David (Brenda) Merkel of Celestine, Indiana. A visitation will held at Westcott Funeral Home, 1013 E. Mingus Avenue, Cottonwood, AZ, on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 PM (a rosary to be held at 6:00 PM). Funeral services to be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 700 N. Bill Gray Rd., Cottonwood, AZ 86326, on Thursday January 11, 2024, at 1:00 PM. Contributions can be made to Immaculate Conception Conference of St. Vincent De Paul, 825 W. Mingus Avenue, Cottonwood, AZ 86326, Phone: 928-634-9625.