Vera Marie Merz

Vera Marie (McKinley) Merz, of Wenatchee, WA, passed on Saturday, June 11, 2011, at home, with the love of her family surrounding her. Vera was born on March 4, 1932, in Wenatchee, WA to Mary Margret (Miles) McKinley and Earl Wilbur McKinley. She was raised in the South Wenatchee area until graduating from Wenatchee High School in 1951. After a yearlong courtship, she married her one true love, Joe Merz of Leavenworth, WA, on May 29, 1952, in Wenatchee, where they went on to raise their three children, Vickie, Mark and Ted. Vera was a dedicated wife and followed her husband as he pursued his career in sales and eventually law enforcement. While supporting Joe as the Sheriff of Lincoln County, Vera worked as City Clerk in Reardon. After Joe's retirement from Lincoln County, they retired in Entiat, where Vera also served as City Clerk for Entiat. Upon Vera's retirement, husband and wife took the time to enjoy a shared love of the outdoors by motorcycle rides, boating and camping. Above all else, Vera's first love was her family. A dedicated mother and wife, her door was always open to those she loved. Her motto was, "Just throw another bean on the pot," and she could feed everyone. Taking her time in the kitchen was her way of keeping those she loved a little longer. If you couldn't make it to her table, she was never more than a phone call away. Listening and never judging, but always concerned enough to help, however she could. Some might say her second love was for her "posies." The last weekend of her precious life was spent watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren plant a fairy garden for her to enjoy. The legacy she leaves behind is one of tremendous love, gentleness, compassion and wisdom. She forgave easily when given the chance and loved openly. Many hearts and lives where touched by this most remarkable woman. Vera was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her father, Earl; mother, Maggie; brother, Bobbie; sister, Lois; and grandson, Cory Merz. Survivors are daughter, Vickie and Bob Phillips and grandchildren, Kristopher, Matthew and Tiffany, Daniel and Tracie, and Susan and Dave Mullen; son, Mark and Cheri Merz (who is more daughter than daughter-in-law) and grandchildren, Lance and Judy Merz, Kelly and Misty Merz, KaNita and Bryce Guidry; son, Ted and Denise Merz and grandchildren, Nathan and Shannon Merz, Amber and John Daniels, Kayla and Mike Offill and Danielle and Shawn Babst. Vera was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. A special thanks to the Hospice team for the special care given and the love and prayers for our family during this difficult time. A Private Family Memorial will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park; by Vera's request, No Services will be held. Arrangements are assisted by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Vera Marie Merz

March 4, 1932 - June 11, 2011