All great businesses share a common trait - people make the difference. Our caring associates have been serving the community one family at a time. Below you will find bio’s on each of our knowledgeable and dedicated staff. Please feel free to contact any of us, we’re always here to help.
Jerry, a graduate of Greenville High School attended Wright State University and graduated and received his degree in mortuary science from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1973. He has been an Ohio-Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer since 1974. Jerry is an active member of The Family of Grace Methodist Church. In the church he serves as chairman of the Evangelism Committee, chairman of ushers/greeters, and visitation follow-up, new building committee and the churches administrative council. He served as president of the Piqua Association of Churches, and it's treasurer for 10 years. He served on the Piqua Prayer Breakfast Committee for over 10 years. For the last 4 years, Jerry has been serving on the council for Pastoral Education and Development at Upper Valley Medical Center. He's a member of the Piqua Kiwanis Club in which he served as President in 1991 and 2000. Jerry was recognized as Distinguished President each year and was the club's only president who has served two terms. He received Kiwanian of the year in 1992, which is the club's highest honor. Jerry is active in many other civic and religious organizations in the community. He is a member of the Ohio Funeral Directors Assn.; he has served on the Professional Education Committee and the OSHA Committee. He is also a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Selected Independent Funeral Homes and a charter member of the Funeral Ethics Association.
Pamela graduated from Greenville High School. She is the founder and coordinator of the funeral home's Aftercare Program. Pam has had extensive training in grief and bereavement to help serve the families of the funeral home. Pam follows up with every family served for a minimum of two years. She does this with in home visits, phone calls and acknowledging birthdays and anniversaries at times when families may need a helping hand. As well as the funeral home's after care coordinator she plays the organ for funeral services. Pam is an active member of the Family of Grace Methodist Church. She is a member of the Grace Church Worship Team in which she plays the keyboard for the church services. She is also an active member of the church choir. Pam is also a member Women in Net Working through the Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce. Jerry and Pam were married July 29,1972 and have 1 son and daughter in law Brian and Laura (Freisthler) Sowers and 1 daughter and son in law Angela and Heath Finfrock. They have 6 granddaughters Alexis, Ashley, Katrina, Chiai, Brieanna and Haley.
Brian A. Sowers has been a Piqua native since the age of one. He graduated from Lehman High School in 1995. Brian graduated from Edison State Community College with an associate degree in Business Administration in 1997. He furthered his studies in mortuary science and graduated in 1998 from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and received his bachelor's degree in Mortuary Science.
Brian is an active member of the Family of Grace Methodist Church. In the church, he serves on the worship team as the drummer, chairman of chair-set-up, plays for the softball team, and he is very active in the children's program. He is a member of the Piqua Kiwanis club in which he has been a board member for two years, and now serves as president of the club. Also in Kiwanis, he serves as co-chair of youth services for Builders Club (Jr. High) and Key Club (High School). Brian is also a member of the Ohio Embalmers Association and the Ohio Funeral Directors Association.
On May 4, 1996 Brian married Laura A. (Freisthler). They have four beautiful daughters, Alexis, Ashley, Katrina and Chiai Sowers.
Wanda Wahl was born and raised in Brookville, OH. After graduation from Brookville High School, she worked as an Administrative Assistant at NCR in Dayton. While there, a friend introduced her to Frank Wahl and they married in 1970.
Wanda resided east of Troy, OH. She loves to travel and has experienced many wonderful trips. She enjoyed raising two sons: Scott and Sean, who have blessed her with four beautiful granddaughters and one handsome grandson. After raising her sons, Wanda decided to rejoin the workforce and had a career in insurance for 23 years.
Wanda heard of an opportunity to help families in a very different way and joined Melcher-Sowers Funeral Home as our Family Service Advisor in August, 2005. She enjoys meeting with our families to assist them with prearranging their own individualized services. Wanda also follows through with each family we serve by meeting with them after they have lost a loved one. She lends an ear and helps answer any questions family members may have during these difficult times. Wanda has been a great addition to our Melcher-Sowers family.
I joined the Melcher-Sowers Family in May of 2016 as Office Manager. I have spent most of my life in Piqua. I married my late husband, Steve Ridenour January 6,1979. He passed away August 31, 2005. We have two sons Christopher and Brandon. I have three beautiful grandchildren, Alexis, Tyler and Starr. I enjoy reading, and the outdoors. I love animals, especially my beagle-basset "Brownie". I love working with people and I always try to treat others as I would like to be treated.
