Loretha N. Merkle

Loretha N."Lee" Welker Merkle, 90, of Zanesville, died at 2;15 p.m. Monday, June 13, 2005 at Willow Haven Care Center. She was born October 19, 1914 in Drumright, OK. a daughter of the late Richard and Lera May Bowman Welker. She was raised in Otsego, was baptized in the Methodist faith, had played varsity girls basketball, worked in various restaurants in Zanesville and retired as a bookkeeper at Muskingum Auto Parts. Surviving are a daughter, Shirley Luburgh of Zanesville, a brother, Wayne ( Mary Lou ) Welker of Hudson, Florida, three grandchildren, Mark, Matt and Curt (Dee ) Luburgh all of Zanesville, eight great grandchildren, Clayton, Craig, Kathleen, Paige, Hanna, Slade, Cole and Brock Luburgh. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William L. Merkle, who died in 1975, a son, Billy D. Merkle, who died in 2002, a great granddaughter, Lisa Luburgh and a sister, June Giebel.. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home, 1271 Blue Avenue, Zanesville. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 16, 2005 at Otsego Methodist Cemetery in Otsego with Rev. Jim Sands officiating. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association or to Alzheimer Association.