Grace Marie Merkel died Monday, June 21, at the age of 88.
Grace graduated from high school, pitched on a woman’s softball team, and was employed at Lear Seigler, where she was proud of the fact that she worked on gyros that were used by NASA’s Gemini program. Lear Seigler is where she met her first husband, Gene. After renovating an old farmhouse, she was able to garden and can food for her family.
She had a passion and talent for music, specifically blue grass, which only grew stronger with each passing year. People loved to listen to Grace sing and play her guitar and mandolin.
When not at home with her family, she enjoyed live music and dancing with her second husband of 28 years, Gib. Grace was a cherished and devoted mother, grandmother, and wife. She made the best pies, never met a baby she didn’t love, and was a health nut and an upcycler/recycler before it was fashionable.
Grandchildren’s memories include Legos, making macaroni and cheese, and learning how to ride two-wheel bikes, pump gas, and properly swing a baseball bat.
She is survived by her husband, Gilbert Merkel; children Susan Lynn Zeinstra (Rod), Gordon Wayne Ash (Mary Jo), James Edward Ash; stepson, Craig Ash (Barbara); grandchildren Jason (Dana) Zeinstra, Megan (Brian) Sager, Ben (Carrie) Ash, Andy (Megan) Ash, Grace (Zach) Hettinger, Kasandra (Brandon) Berens, Kristin (Levi) Demann, Brent Ash, Nicki Ash. She will also be missed by great-grandchildren Aidan, Noah, Emma Zeinstra; Grant and Paige Sager; Mackenzie Ash, Drew, Trevor, baby girl (September 2021) Ash; Hunter, Hadley, Harper Hettinger; Allex, Brady Lane Berens; Lawson Demann; Dakota and Jeremiah Ash; as well as cousin, Ronald DeCamp and siblings Velma Burden and Dorothy Kunard.
Grace was preceded in death by parents Clarence Barrett and Velma Irene (Andrews) Barrett; husband, Eugene Gordon Ash; stepson, Paul James Ash; cousin, Emma DeCamp; siblings Lionel (Jeannie) Barrett, Melvin (Betty) Barrett, Ernie (Olga) Barrett, Melvin (Helen) Barrett, Floyd Barrett, Stanley (Mary) Barrett, Raymond (Betty); brothers-in-law Charlie Burden and Jim Kunard.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 24, at South Martin Cemetery.
In memory of Grace and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Green Acres of Wayland or Wings of Hope Hospice.