Merle Frees, age 95 of Hesperia, passed away Friday, January 10, 2014 at the Newaygo Medical Care Facility in Fremont. Merle was born on July 6, 1918 in Jackson, Michigan to Charles and Gladys (Spooner) Alexander and later married Lowell Frees on September 7, 1935 in Indiana. Lowell preceded her in death in 1979. Merle has been a lifelong resident of the Hesperia area where she had worked at the Gerber Products Company for several years. Merle enjoyed baking, cooking, and canning in her younger years and spending time with her grandchildren. Merle was especially known to many in the Hesperia community for her 26 year involvement with the Foster Grandparents program at the Hesperia Public Schools. Merle is survived by her children, Bonnie Martin of Fremont; Thomas Frees of Hesperia; her grandchildren, Harvey (Deb) Dean; Lori (Dan) Slate; Tom Frees Jr. (Christina Millman); Mindy (Rich) Clark; Melissa (Mark) Kunze; numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Merle was preceded in death by her sons, Richard and Jimmy; grandsons, Harry Gilbert and Rory Frees; 5 sisters and 2 brothers. VISITATION : Tuesday, January 14, 2014 from 4-6pm at Crandell Funeral Home Fremont Chapel with FUNERAL SERVICES at 6pm at the Crandell Funeral Home Fremont Chapel. INTERMENT : South Ferry Cemetery. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS : please consider memorial contributions to the Foster Grandparent Program.