Merle was born September 29, 1925 in Kyle Texas, the only child of Willie and Ella Schmeltekopf. She died peacefully on October 19, 2018 at the age of 93. Her childhood was spent growing up on the family farm, surrounded by her German relatives and the members of Immanuel Baptist Church of Kyle. She attended Southwest Texas State Teacher’s College, now Texas State, and while there met a young pilot, Ray Siebert. They married in 1946 and spent the next 27 years as an Air Force Family with son, Terry and daughter, Sheran. Numerous bases- the Philippine Islands, TX, CA, NE, Turkey and AZ became home. Merle volunteered endless hours serving Red Cross Family Services, Officers Wives Club and at each Church or Chapel in her life. In 1969 Merle was recognized for her service to Air Force families by being named Strategic Air Command Wife of the Year. Love for her family especially grand and great grand children was evident! Bridge, dominoes, and later in life, golf, were key interests, but taking in Bible Doctrine came first and foremost in her life. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years. Merle is survived by: Son, Terry Siebert and wife Andrea ; Daughter, Sheran Oliverio and husband Ron; Grandchildren- Dale Oliverio (Paige), Kimberly Rutter (Chris), Michelle Flamant (Mathieu), Scott Siebert, Kristen Tharp (Brian) and Kelly Gates (Ryan); Great Grandchildren- Shelby Papst, Riley and Reagan Rutter, London John, Amelie Flamant, Lukas Oliverio, and Maddox and Jacob Tharp. Special thanks to all friends and care givers at Victory Medical Clinic and Village on the Park at Onion Creek. Merle- “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Visitation hours will be from 6:00-8:00PM Wednesday, October 24th at Cook Walden Forest Oaks. A memorial service will be held at Cook Walden Forest Oaks on Thursday, October 25th at 1:00PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Berachah Church of Austin, PO Box 10778, Austin TX 78766 or Fisher House Foundation Inc. 12300 Twinbrook Parkway Rockville MD 20852.
