George & Betty Merva

A. Irene (Merva) Smith, was born May 13, 1922, in Pleasant City, Ohio. She was one of 8 children born to John and Julianna Merva. As a child of a hard-working family of Slovakian descent, she has been raised with an understanding of the importance of work and service to others. She had a career as a Nurse Anesthetist. In addition to her civilian nursing education, Smith received training in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. She is remembered by her family as being a great role model, setting an example by working hard, having boundless energy, and caring for family and others. She had a great love of nature, birds, flowers, and dogs. A woman of strong faith, she witnessed the spirit of the Army Nursing Team Creed, always remembering that it “is a privilege to care for each individual and always striving to be attentive and respectful of their needs and honor their uniquely divine human spirit.”

George Merva and his wife Betty have established this scholarship in memory of his sister because of the love and admiration they have for her. They desire that the scholarship would support U.S. Army Medics striving for an R.N. at LCC with financial need and who demonstrate Irene’s spirit of service and compassion.