Kathleen Margaret Merrick, age 71, of Troy, IL passed away on Friday, June 9, 2023 at Evelyn's House in Creve Coeur, MO.

Born December 7, 1951 in Dubuque, IA to Leonard and Margaret (Schulte) Gartner.  She married Donald James Merrick on September 8, 1973 in Dubuque, IA.  Donald survives Kathleen.

Kathleen was a 1970 graduate of the Visitation Academy in Dubuque, IA and a 1973 graduate of the Mercy Medical Center School of Nursing in Dubuque as a Registered Nurse.  She worked in nursing for 39 years beginning at the NE Iowa Regional Perinatal Center, then at the Carbondale Medical Center in Carbondale, IL, and most recently in the Ambulatory Surgery Department of Pekin Hospital (UPH) in Pekin, IL.

She enjoyed reading, listening to country music, long walks, traveling to Mexico, and especially the family vacations.  She also held a special place in her heart for the youngest grandchild, Emma, as she babysat her 2-3 days a week and enjoyed many memorable days in the area parks and children's museum.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

In addition to her husband, Donald Merrick, also surviving are two sons: Sean Michael Merrick (Tiffany Einck) of North Liberty, IA and Kevin Patrick Merrick (Danielle Lowell) of Glen Carbon, IL; six grandchildren:  Connor, Alexandra, and Emma (of the marriage of Kevin and Danielle Merrick), Luke, Benjamin, and Katelyn Merrick (of the marriage of Sean and Tiffany Merrick); two brothers:  Michael (Susan) Gartner of Austin, TX, and Paul (Martha) Gartner of Davenport, IA; one sister, Barbara (Al) Richards of Mt. Zion, IL; numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial visitation will be 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Wednesday June 14, 2023 at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, IL.

Memorial service will be at 3:00 pm with Father Rob Johnson officiating.

Burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery Chapel in Dubuque, IA, on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 11am. A Luncheon will follow at Morocco Supper Club 1413 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque, IA.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Evelyn's House and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.