Kenneth and Meriba Green

Meriba Elizabeth Ogden Green

July 9, 1947 – January 18, 2021

Kenneth Michael Green

January 14, 1947 – January 27, 2021

Sweethearts since 6th grade, Meriba Elizabeth Ogden Green and Kenneth Michael Green peacefully entered eternity 9 days apart on January 18, 2021, and January 27, 2021, respectively. They were married for over 52 years. They shared many common interests, including their strong faith, music, books, politics, travel, the Gators, a love of their family, the mountains, and their farm, and yet maintained vibrant, individual personalities that enhanced their joint lives.

Born in Lake City, Florida on July 9, 1947, Meriba was a life-long servant of God and member of First United Methodist Church of Lake City.  She graduated from Columbia High School’s glorious class of 1965. She was captain of the cheerleading squad and participated in Girls State. She attended The University of Florida and Valdosta State College, earning a bachelor’s degree in social work. Meriba spent her career and post-retirement doing what she loved – serving others. She retired from the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services/Department of Children and Families Services, after 31 years, working primarily in the foster care and adoption units. Meriba remained actively involved in the lives of children by regularly volunteering at Epiphany Catholic School and ministering through the Backpack Ministry at First United Methodist Church. “Gigi,” as she was known to her grandchildren, always had time to love and support her family, and spent a great deal of time with them. “Gigi” rode the fair rides, worked cows, played dress-up, flew in the Polaris and golf carts, bass fished, carpooled, and had near perfect attendance at grandchildren’s sporting and dance events. She also relished visiting with her dear friends, appreciated music (especially The Band and The Rolling Stones), loved, laughed, and treasured every minute.

Born in Lake City, Florida, on January 14, 1947, Kenneth was baptized at Southside Baptist Church of Lake City, and spent his adulthood as an active, faithful member of First United Methodist Church of Lake City, where he actively served on numerous committees over the years. Kenneth was the “big brother” in a large, blended family, and a great friend to his close, lifelong friends. He graduated from Columbia High School in 1965, where he was a multi-sport letter-winner. Kenneth attended The University of Florida and Valdosta State College, earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing, and later working for the Department of Transportation for over 37 years as an appraiser/manager.  Kenneth was a talented musician, and one of the founding members of the local band, The Jades, who are still performing together after 55 years. When The Jades played in recent years, folks could harken back, see the light, or simply dance the night away. Kenneth’s interest in music bridged across generations and decades, although The Beatles carried a special place in his heart. “Danny” spent a great deal of time with his grandchildren and tending to the family cattle operation. Kenneth enjoyed watching sporting events, especially the Gators, and owned Gator season football tickets with Meriba since 1979 and the 0-10-1 season.

Kenneth and Meriba were preceded in death by their beloved parents, Julian Parker Green and Catherine Buckles Green, and Rufus Ogden, Sr., and Meriba Helen Ferguson Ogden, and beloved sister, Teresa Green (Luebkemann). They are survived by their son, Jordan Lane Green (Bonnie), and grandchildren, Catherine Lane Green and Liam Blair Green; along with beloved siblings, Jerry Green (Laura), Issaquah, Washington, Maurine Niswander (Philip), Crawfordville, Florida, Michael Green (Mimi Johnson), Christopher Green (Anna), Jonathan Green (Mychelle), and Tracy Mathews (Scott), of Lake City, Florida, Stephen Garland (Lisa), Fruit Cove, Florida, brother-in-law, Geoff Luebkemann (Teresa Green), Tallahassee, Florida, and stepmother, Delvine Green, Lake City, Florida, as well as numerous beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, wonderful friends and classmates, and also, Rufus C. Ogden Jr., Lake City, Florida, and his family.

Meriba and Kenneth died because they contracted COVID-19 - not because they were going to “die anyway” or contracted a “hoax.” COVID-19 is evil and promulgating it is the devil at work in the world. But there is Light at work, too. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – even amid adversity. These qualities describe Kenneth and Meriba, as well as the doctors, nurses, hospice workers, pastors, teachers and school staff, health department employees, food pantry providers, caregivers, friends and loved ones who shower all of us with their ministries, strive to keep us safe, comfort us, and are there for us during these challenging times.

No words can adequately describe the immense void left in our hearts by the sudden passing of Meriba and Kenneth. The Green family is especially grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support received during this difficult time.  A memorial service to honor the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Green will be conducted on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church of Lake City.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are welcomed and appreciated to the Backpack Ministry at First United Methodist Church, Lake City, Florida, or The Nature Conservancy. 

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