News Summary
Betty J. Merz, a cherished member of the San Antonio community, passed away at age 90. Known for her kindness, exceptional cooking, and commitment to supporting local schools, Merz left a lasting impact on everyone she met. Family and friends mourn her loss, remembering her dedication to fostering familial bonds and caring for the neighborhood’s children throughout her life.
San Antonio, Texas – Betty J. Merz, a beloved member of the local community known for her kindness and unwavering support, passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the age of 90. Her family and friends are mourning the loss of a woman described as a sweet and loving mother, grandmother, and active community member.
Merz was born on August 23, 1934, in San Antonio to parents Ben Gilbert and Verna Taylor Schaper. She graduated from Brackenridge High School in San Antonio and spent her life deeply rooted in the community, where she is remembered for her exemplary Christian character. Throughout her life, she maintained positive relationships, treating everyone she met as if they were family.
In her early years, Merz met her husband Hilmer on a double date, where she captured his heart by preparing a delicious T-bone steak. This playful bond soon blossomed into a lifelong partnership; they enjoyed 71 years of marriage filled with love and adventure. Together, they created countless joyful memories, including family vacations and motorcycle rides.
Merz was renowned for her exceptional cooking skills, particularly her famous barbeque chicken, which delighted family and friends alike. Her contributions extended beyond her household, as she was a familiar face in the neighborhood. Merz actively cared for local children, assisting parents with school drop-offs and pick-ups, which demonstrated her commitment to early education.
An engaged member of her community, she frequently participated in school activities, showing deep investment in the educational growth of children. Merz also honed her organizational skills by diligently sending out birthday and anniversary cards to friends and family, ensuring that loved ones felt special on their significant days.
Throughout her lifetime, Merz faced the heartache of losing loved ones, including her parents and brother, Ben Schaper. She was also preceded in death by her twin sons, John Edward and Gene Gilbert. Despite these losses, Merz maintained a positive outlook and devoted her life to her family and community.
She is survived by her husband Hilmer I. Merz, four daughters—Marsha Brucker, Nancy Pilarczyk, Judy Ebner, and Alice McWhorter—ten grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren. Additionally, she leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom cherished her presence in their lives.
In honor of Betty J. Merz’s legacy, funeral services will be held on June 13, 2025, at Porter Loring Mortuary. The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to Boysville of San Antonio in place of flowers, reflecting her long-standing commitment to supporting children and families in need.
The community remembers Betty J. Merz not only for her warmheartedness but for the indelible mark she left on everyone she encountered. Her dedication to fostering familial bonds and caring for those around her will serve as a lasting tribute to the life she led.
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Additional Resources
- Betty Merz Obituary – Dignity Memorial
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Helen Schaper Obituary – Dignity Memorial
- Google Search: Betty Merz
- Boysville of San Antonio
- Google Scholar: Community Support Obituaries
- Porter Loring Mortuary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community
- Google News: San Antonio Obituaries
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
