Staff writer
Compassionate Families, a local support group for parents who have lost children, has expanded its membership to include people who have lost spouses, grandchildren, and parents.
Initially affiliated with the national Compassionate Friends organization, the group has since become an independent organization. It continues to meet monthly and conducts an annual candle service each December.
This year, the candle service will be at 7 p.m. Sunday in the home of Thad and Janie Meierhoff, 402 S. Cedar, Marion. The public is invited to attend.
If unable to attend, individuals may call to have the name of a deceased family member added to the list of names to be read at the ceremony.
To submit a name or for more information, contact the Meierhoffs at (620) 382-3492, Chris and Melissa Stuchlik at (620) 924-5793, or Riley and Gina Jantz at (620) 726-5612.
The group will meet at the Meierhoff home the second Monday of every month from January through April, after which meeting places will be rotated among the members. The May meeting will be in the garden begun by Melissa Stuchlik on their rural Lincolnville farm after their son was killed in a car accident in 1999.