Mrs. Betty Jo Merz

Betty J. Merz, age 90, passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2025. She was born on August 23, 1934, to parents, Ben Gilbert and Verna Taylor Schaper. Betty was born in San Antonio, Texas, and graduated from Brackenridge High School. Betty was a sweet, kind loving mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed. She was the perfect example of a Christian. She never said a mean word about anyone. She was always going above and beyond. Everyone was family to Betty. Betty and Hilmer met while on a double date with other people. It did not take long for Betty to win Hilmer over. Betty made Hilmer a T-bone steak, and he was hooked. Betty and Hilmer had a wonderful life. They rode motorcycles and enjoyed many vacations with their family. She was a wonderful cook and made the best barbeque chicken and much more. She always knew what you needed before you knew. She took care of the neighborhood children and was always there to take and pick up the children from school. She was very involved in the children’s school. She loved to mail birthday and anniversary cards. She figured out the postal service better than anyone. She never missed a birthday or anniversary, and the cards would always arrive on the exact day. We don’t know how she did that; it was like magic or something. She was always taking care of everyone whenever we needed it. She would always have everyone’s favorite food and drink when we came to visit.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ben Gilbert and Verna Taylor Schaper; brother, Ben Schaper; and twin boys, John Edward and Gene Gilbert. Betty is survived by her beloved husband of 71 years, Hilmer I. Merz; daughters, Marsha Brucker, Nancy Pilarczyk, Judy Ebner, and Alice McWhorter; 10 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Avenue, San Antonio, Texas.

A Funeral Service will take place at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Porter Loring Mortuary.

Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, Texas. Pallbearers will be her seven grandsons. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Boysville of San Antonio.