Martha was born August 29, 1942, in Zanesville, Ohio, to the late Clyde Graves & Irene (Egbert) Graves. In addition to her parents, Martha was also preceded in death by a son, Clyde David Merkle; brother, David Graves; and a brother-in-law, Dean Bales.
Martha is survived by her husband, Harley Merkle ; children, Mickey & John Hage of Anchorage, Alaska, Mary Garcia & Rick Davis of Anchorage, Alaska, Theresa & Dan Michaels of Russia, Ohio, Greg & Rose Merkle of Woodlawn, Tennessee, Christine Harvey of Springfield, Oregon, Beth & Kevin Fulton of Versailles, Ohio, and Nancy Merkle of Lima, Ohio; 17 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; best friend, Elaine Peck of Versailles, Ohio; brother & sister-in-law, Butch & Judy Graves of Dresden, Ohio; sister, Patty Bales of Dresden, Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Martha retired from Versailles Schools where she was a school bus driver for over 35 years.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, January 28, 2019, at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Fr. Jim Duell officiating. Burial will follow in St. Valbert Cemetery in Versailles. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Versailles EMS or Versailles Healthcare Center Physical Therapy Department. Condolences for the family may be expressed through www.zecharbailey.com
