Delores Eileen Merz

Delores E. Merz died November 21, 2011 at the Samaritan Bethany Home on Eighth in Rochester, Minnesota.A Memorial Remembrance in her honor will be held at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 11:00am officiated by her son, Reverend Stephen Gray.Burial of her cremated remains will be at 1:00pm at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester. Delores Eileen Smith was born on September 20, 1924 in Olmsted County, Minnesota to Clifford and Gladys (Dale) Smith.Delores attendedRochester School and graduated from Rochester High School.She worked for the Civil Service in San Bernadino, California for two years and in Seoul, Korea for three years. It was there she met andmarried Emmett Ray Gray in 1945, and they were later divorced.She later marriedDonald Merz in Estherville, Iowa on August 5, 1955 and the couple made their home in Rochester, Minnesota.She worked as a telephone operator, bookkeeper, and clerk/typist.Delores enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, reading, crossword puzzles and bingo. Survivors includetwo daughters, Vicki (Curtis) Distad of Rochester, Minnesota and Theresa (Bruce) Daniels of Rochester, Minnesota; one son, Stephen (Patti) Gray of Italy; ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents, spouse and three brothers. Delores' family would like to extend a special thanks for the wonderful care she received at Samaritan Bethany Home on Eighth. Memorials can be directed to Paws and Claws.