MaryEllen Locher, a popular broadcast journalist with WTVC Channel 9's Action News for two decades, died overnight with her husband, David, and son, Alex, at her side.
Channel 9 officials said, "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our friend and colleague MaryEllen Locher.
"As many of you already know, MaryEllen had been battling cancer for quite some time now.
"For 20 years, Mel shared her infectious smile, charisma and professionalism with the NewsChannel 9 family and you.
"MaryEllen passed at her home this morning at the age of 45... surrounded by her family.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to her husband, David, and son, Alex.
"MaryEllen will be missed."
Funeral services will be Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Hixson United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Mark Davis and Rev. Randy Martin.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the MaryEllen Locher Memorial Fund, Box 4032, Chattanooga, TN 37405. Donations to this fund will be distributed to causes close to MaryEllen’s heart.
Condolences may be sent at www.heritagefh.com
The family will receive friends Saturday from 4-8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.
MaryEllen’s death comes just two days after the announcement of her retirement from WTVC after almost 20 years as reporter, then anchor-reporter.
“As we at NewsChannel 9 suffer over this announcement, our thoughts and prayers are centered on David, Alex and the rest of MaryEllen’s family. We know our viewers will understand how difficult it will be maintaining our professionalism while presenting the day’s news,” said news director Tom Henderson.
“Today is a sad day. The NewsChannel 9 family has lost a loved associate and the Tennessee Valley has lost a true icon and good person. We have to remember that David and Alex have said goodbye to a loving wife and mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and all of MaryEllen’s family and close friends,” said Mike Costa, WTVC Vice President and General Manager.
During her career at NewsChannel 9, the station benefited greatly from her hard work and success, officials said. MaryEllen won awards for Best Newscast, Best News Team, and Best News Series Reporter by the Tennessee Associated Press. Viewers responded by keeping NewsChannel 9’s newscasts top rated, it was stated.
MaryEllen had battled cancer since its first occurrence 16 years ago. Her personal experiences with the disease have influenced her civic commitments. She founded the not for profit Hats from the Heart program, giving free hats to cancer patients onsite at cancer treatment centers. MaryEllen also founded Children of Breast Cancer Foundation. This non-profit organization provides endowment money to public colleges and universities for children who have lost a mother to breast cancer.
MaryEllen most recently was honored by Memorial Hospital with the naming of their Breast Cancer Center as The MaryEllen Locher Breast Center at Memorial. The goal of the center, according to Memorial Hospital, is to streamline the patient’s experience with the best care possible as expeditiously as possible. It will combine the latest in technological and clinical advances with an emphasis on the whole person body, mind and spirit. Construction of the center is set to begin no later than July 2006.
MaryEllen Locher with co-anchor Bob Johnson in 1988.
- Photo2 by Channel 9