Judith K. Merkle

Judith Kay Merkle, age 80 of Highland, IL, died Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Cedarhurst in Highland, IL. Judy was born on March 23, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Milton and Vada (Eardley) Prange, and grew up in St. Jacob, Illinois. She graduated from Triad High School in 1963 and that same year married the love of her life, Waldo J. “Bud” Merkle, at Hope Lutheran Church in Highland. Their nearly five decades together were filled with laughter, devotion, and countless adventures, until Bud’s passing in 2012. A woman of grace and quiet strength, Judy balanced devotion to her family with a successful career in banking. After raising her children, she returned to the banking industry at State Bank of St. Jacob in 1977, where she worked with integrity and care until retiring in 2010 as Vice President. She was admired for her steady presence, professionalism, and genuine kindness toward colleagues and customers alike. Judy and Bud shared a love of travel, creating cherished memories on cruises to Alaska, the Panama Canal, New Zealand, Australia, and the Caribbean. At home, she found joy in life’s simple pleasures—walking her faithful dog Cookie, gathering with her close-knit circle of friends affectionately known as the “Golden Girls,” and sharing meals, laughter, and shopping trips with them. Above all, Judy treasured time with her family. She was the heart of every gathering—gentle, generous, and endlessly supportive. To her children, she was a steady guide; to her grandchildren, a source of unconditional love; and to her in-laws, the “best mother-in-law you could ask for.” Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. A lifelong member of Hope Lutheran Church, Judy carried her beliefs quietly but firmly, embodying compassion, humility, and a servant’s heart. She gave selflessly, listened deeply, and made everyone feel valued and loved. Survivors include: Daughter - Diane R. (Ronnie) Gilomen, Highland, IL Daughter - Monica L. (Daniel) Hurford, Edwardsville, IL Son - John W. (Stephanie) Merkle, Bloomington, IL Daughter - Kimberly S. (Michael) Marchal, Highland, IL Daughter - Dr. Stephanie L. Bosslet, M.D, Highland, IL Grandchild - Joshua D. (Meghan) Hurford, Edwardsville, IL Grandchild - Megan L. Hurford (Husband: Alex Francois), New York, NY Grandchild - Briana M. (Brandon) Saunchegraw, Baldwin, MO Grandchild - Brett G. Gilomen (fiancée-Mallory Rutz), Pocahontas, IL Grandchild - Garrett J. (Anna) Merkle, Bloomington, IL Grandchild - Claire S. Marchal (significant other- Justin Bruggemann), Highland, IL Grandchild - Clay W. Merkle (fiancée-Ella Metzger), Bloomington, IL Grandchild - SSgt. Jackson N. Marchal, USAF, Highland, IL Great Grandchild - Avery S. Merkle Great Grandchild - Whitney R. Hurford Great Grandchild - Baker G. Saunchegraw Great Grandchild - Sophia R. Hurford Great Grandchild - Patrick J. Merkle She was preceded in death by: Husband - Waldo J. "Bud" Merkle, died 1/1/2012 Father - Milton Henry Prange, died 9/3/1982 Mother - Vada Mae Prange (nee Eardley), died 4/11/1991 Brother - Thomas M. Prange, died 5/29/2017 Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Hope Lutheran Church in Highland, IL. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Hope Lutheran Church in Highland, IL, with Rev. Scott Busacker, Pastor, Hope Lutheran Church, officiating. Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Lutheran Church.

Judith K. Merkle

March 23, 1945 - September 21, 2025