Mercedes “Ched” Lopez Dearing

By | May 22, 2015

Mercedes “Ched” Lopez Dearing, age 70, of Jackson, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, May 21, 2015, at her home, following a brief illness. She was born June 1, 1944 in Manila, Philippines to the late Pablo Lopez and Dolores Rapatan Lopez.

Ched was a piano teacher and a legal secretary. She was an accomplished classical pianist and in years past, she was an avid bowler and a talented seamstress. Ched enjoyed reading and playing Bunco and she was a gardener of tropical plants, especially orchids.

Ched met the love of her life, Gary D. Dearing, while he was stationed with the United States Marines in the Philippines. One and a half years later, Gary returned to Manila, Philippines and married Ched on July 20, 1968. In the mid 1980’s, Ched became a nationalized U.S. citizen.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Gary D. Dearing; three sons, Ken Dearing (Elizabeth) of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Steve Dearing (Manju) of Pickerington, and Greg Dearing of Columbus; five grandchildren, Allison, Nicholas, Mia Mercedes, Sania and Alina; siblings, Nora, Nestor, Marcial, Nancy, Martin, Nelissa, Norman and Marietta, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Mario and Manuel.

Calling hours will be Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral home in Wellston. Funeral service will be Sunday at 2 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Mullett officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairmount Cemetery in Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate memorial contributions in Ched’s name be given to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com