Gail Arlene Merz

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Gail Merz of South County, who passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the age of 86.

Gail was born on November 17, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Marie and Arthur Boresi. She was a proud 1957 graduate of Cleveland High School. On August 26, 1961, she married the love of her life, John 'Jack' Merz. Together, they shared a beautiful life and were blessed with three children-Greg, Chris, and Diane.

Gail was a woman of many talents and a deeply creative spirit. She found joy in crocheting, sewing, cooking, and baking, but nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her grandchildren. She will be remembered for her generous heart, unmistakable spark, and wonderful sense of humor.

Gail was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Merz. She leaves behind her children, Greg Merz; Chris Merz (Cindy); and Diane Ratliff (Chuck); her brother, Art Boresi; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry her memory and love with them.

Friends and family are invited to the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. for visitation. A funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m. in the Schrader's Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arthritis Foundation , a cause that was deeply meaningful to Gail.

A roadside service will take place at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on Friday, August 21, 2026. Guests are asked to gather in the Sylvan Springs Park parking lot, across from the cemetery at 9:30 a.m. We will travel as a group to the committal site in advance of the 9:45 a.m. burial.

Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.