Betty Jean Merkel (nee: Vail), age 81 of St. Charles, MO, died on Wednesday, May 25, 2016.  Services at Baue Funeral Home in Cave Springs, Missouri.  Interment at St. Charles Memorial Gardens.

Betty was born in Olney, Illinois on November 23, 1934 daughter of Ellsworth and Elsie (Stoltz) Vail.  She married Harold A. Merkel who survives.

She is survived by her husband, Harold A. Merkel; daughter, Christine (Kenneth) Goodman; sons, Cliff (Nancy) Merkel and Steve (Lori) Merkel; eight grandchildren; an aunt; cousin and dear friends.

Published in St. Louis Post-Dispatch (MO) – Sunday, May 29, 2016