Jeanine Rae Merkel

Jeanine W. Merkel, of Kerrville, left this world to join our Heavenly Father on July 26, 2025. Jeanine was born in Bay City, Texas, July 23, 1934, to Charles Nathaniel and Myrtle Hagemann Ward.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 53 years and love of her life, William K. “Bill” Merkel, sisters, Betty Jones, Rose Ward and Darla Evans.

To Jeanine, family was the essence of life, where love never ends. She is survived by daughters, Pam Golightly, Paula Guerra, Dana Merkel; son, Ted Johnson; 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Jeanine, always the social butterfly, never met a stranger. She and Bill, ever faithful, were always active in their church. They were proud members of the First Presbyterian Church of Kerrville. No matter where they lived, they enjoyed meeting and socializing with new friends at every stop of their journey together. Jeanine was proud of her P.E.O. Sisterhood, also known as the Philanthropic Educational Organization, and the years spent focusing on providing educational opportunities for women. She also volunteered on numerous occasions in both Washington state and Texas at the Food Banks, schools and hospitals. She exuded style and grace. Her presence always left a lasting impression, not only through her appearance, but also through her actions, values and interaction with those around her.

A very special and heartfelt thanks to Jeanine’s caregivers Viviana, Becky and Edith, whom she loved dearly and considered her extended family.

Celebration of Jeanine’s life and transition to her heavenly home will be on Friday, August 15, 2025, 1:00pm at First Presbyterian Church of Kerrville, 800 Jefferson St., Kerrville, TX 78028.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country w/Kerr County Flood Relief Fund at https://cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4201

Condolences may be sent or messages left at www.kerrvillefuneralhometx.com

Services with integrity, pride, and honor are under the direction of Kerrville Funeral Home. (830) 895-5111