Beverly Merkle

Beverly Merkle, age 89 of Freeport Illinois passed away peacefully on July 6th 2026

Beverly was born May 12 1937 to Raymond Paul and Bernice (Fox) Paul Griffin.

For 58 years she was married to the love of her life Robert Merkle. He left her side January 20th 2026

Beverly was our beauty queen some even referred to her as Miss Hollywood. She was very meticulous about her appearance. Always stylish and flamboyant. She always made an entrance with her hair and nails always done, very few ever seen her without her red lipstick earning her the nick name Grandma Lipstick by her 12 grandchildren, great grandchildren and many great great grandchildren. She wore it proudly. Pretty positive Nieman Marcus, Marshall Fields, and LL Bean will be grieving also. We’re betting Beverly put the word “shop” In shop till you drop.

Other than shopping, Beverly was a self-taught artist. Her home and her family’s homes were adorned with many of her paintings from flowers to landscapes.

She also loved the piano she played and played until her hands would no longer allow it.

She leaves behind 4 daughters who she said on many occasions she was blessed to have

Victoria (Don) Franz, Rebecca (Craig) Bicker, Shelly (Dale) Diddens and Elizabeth (Tim) Eslinger all of Freeport

Her Handsome son whom she was also very proud of

William (Kathy) Griffin of Dakota

Also a Son Robert Merkle

By her request there will be no services