MONTE VISTA — Monte Vista resident George Robert “Bob” Merkey, 90, passed away on Feb. 20, 2020.

He was born on July 12, 1929 in Hutchinson, Kan., to George and Jessie (Ball) Merkey. 

Bob was a farmer at heart. After leaving his farm in Kansas to join the Marines, he returned to his farm and married Grace Breckenridge in August of 1954.  All four of their children were born while living on their farm in Portis, Kan. 

Bob had sheep, chickens, cows and one ornery goat.  He also grew alfalfa.  After the third child was born the grandpas brought running water into the home, including a bathroom. 

In 1963, Bob moved his family to Wiley to work as a parts man, the family then moved to Monte Vista in 1967. 

He enjoyed playfully teasing his family and friends, to hunt and fish as well as plant and harvest his garden. He enjoyed his family and especially cherished his time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Teaching them how to plant and harvest a garden gave him great joy.

Bob is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth “Grace” Merkey; his four children, Jim (Peggi) Merkey, Janice (Jim) Melby, Jeanine (Scott) Noll and Judi (Troy) Golden; his grandchildren, Melanie (Eric) Toth, Jacob (Ally) Merkey, Stephen (Semhar) Merkey, Justin Merkey, Josh (Amy) Melby, Leah Melby, Kerri (Sam) Maxy, Rebecca (Zach) Moeller, Bryan Noll, Cody (Christina) Golden and Amanda (Kyle) Kaus; as well as 15 great grandchildren. 

He is also survived by his two sisters, Rowena (Bob) Wilson and Arlene Merkey; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Cremation was selected and a memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the Presbyterian Church in Monte Vista. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the charity of your choice in memory of Bob.  To express condolences, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com

Rogers Family Mortuary in Monte Vista is in care of the arrangements.