Joan Wallace Merkle

Joan Wallace Merkle, age 87, died on July 4th, 2019 at Kobacker House. Born May 6, 1932 in Dayton, Ohio, she was preceded in death by her parents William and Margaret Wallace. She is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Bill; Sister, Marilyn (Joe) Reed; Children, Chip (Jill) Merkle, Molly Merkle, Dan (Diane) Merkle, Sam (Sandra) Merkle, 11 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. Joanie graduated from Fairview High School in Dayton and attended Ohio State University, where she was a member of Delta Gamma Fraternity. Joanie was a devoted wife, mother, sister, friend, and lifelong Buckeye. She was a voracious reader who loved playing tennis and golf, as well as traveling the world to many of the places she had read about. Her love of cooking and food resulted in innumerable detours down back roads to great (and occasionally not so great) out of the way restaurants. Joanie had a singular sense of style and grace, as well as a unique ability to make every gathering extra special. Through the years, Joanie was a dedicated volunteer for The Childhood League Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Call for Action, and The Columbus Zoo. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday July 10th, at 10:30am at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 1088 Thomas Lane, Columbus, Ohio with Father Timothy Hayes officiating. She will be interred at Union Cemetery, Columbus, Ohio. Friends may call Tuesday, July 9th from 4-7 pm at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pilot Dogs of Columbus and Kobacker House. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories and condolences.