Elizabeth “Betty” Merkley, 83, Jasper

Elizabeth “Betty” Merkley, 83, of Jasper, passed away at 11:32 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at her home in Jasper surrounded by her children.

She was born at Ireland, Indiana on May 28, 1935, to Joseph and Gertrude (Beyke) Sermersheim. She married Herman J. Merkley on April 19, 1958, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ireland, Indiana. He preceded her in death on May 24, 2001.

Betty retired from Old National Bank where she worked in property management for many years. She was also a seamstress, making quilts and alterations and baptismal and prom dresses.

She is a member of St. Isidore Parish – St. Celestine Campus where she taught religious education, St. Ann’s Society, and Shaw ministry and Celestine Community Club.

Betty enjoyed spending time with all her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by five daughters, Jane Burger (John) of Celestine, Mary Mattingly (William) of Evansville, Becky Ferguson (Randy) of Huntingburg, Aggie Blessinger (Charles Jr.) of Huntingburg and Alice Pund (Beau) of Dale; three sons, Ed Merkley (Mary) of Jasper, Tom Merkley (Sherry) of Huntingburg and Paul Merkley of Jasper; 18 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; two sisters, Sr. Mary Agnes OSB of Ferdinand and Florence Ebenkamp (Larry) of Lancing, Mich.; two brothers, Richard Sermersheim (Carol) of Celestine and Marty Sermersheim (Irma) of Jasper.

Preceding her in death besides her husband are sister, Veronica Dilger; brother, Jim Sermersheim.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 26, 2019 in St. Celestine Catholic Church with burial to follow in St. Celestine Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper.  

Rosary will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday by the St. Ann’s Society at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Isidore Parish.

Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.