Juanita F Merkord

Juanita Fayrene Simank Merkord, 86, of Thorndale died Saturday, January 6, in San Antonio, Texas.

Fay was born January 31, 1931 in Thorndale to Malinda and Elmo Simank. She was baptized, confirmed and married at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Thorndale by Reverend F. H. Stelzer.

Fay married Leon Fritz Merkord on October 14, 1951. The couple was blessed with three children Lanny, Joey and Shelley.

Fay worked at the Seventh Street Daycare Center in Taylor, Texas for many years. Her love of working with young children also included serving as a Sunday School teacher at St. Paul.

Fay loved gardening, antique shopping, cooking and spending time with family and friends.

Fay is survived by her son, Lanny and his wife Deb of San Antonio; son, Joey and his wife Becky of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and daughter Shelley and her husband Dale of Hewitt. Surviving grandchildren are Sara Williams and her husband Hunter, Jordan Merkord, Scott Merkord and his wife Katie, Jared Caffey and Erica Caffey. Surviving great-grandchildren are Claire and Luke Williams.

Fay is also survived by sister, Laverne Weise; brother, Morris Simank and his wife, Patricia; sister-in-law Carole Simank and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two brothers, Dennis and James Simank.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, January 12, 5-7 p.m. at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor. A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, January 13, 10 a.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Thorndale with Reverend Aaron Kalbas and Reverend Scott Schaller officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

Memorials may be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church.

All Glory be to God!