It is with deep love and sorrow that we share the passing of Elizabeth “Betty” (Genin) Merkel, 97, of Saline, Michigan, on July 25, 2026. She was born November 18, 1928, to George and Kathryn (O’Connor) Genin in Madison, Wisconsin. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend who lived a wonderful life.

Betty grew up on a farm in Verona, Wisconsin. Although she was raised during the Great Depression, she remembered her childhood with affection and gratitude. She cherished the time spent with her family on the farm, as well as the simple joys of community dances, church, school, and lifelong friendships. Those early experiences shaped the strong values, resilience, and deep appreciation for family and community that she carried throughout her life.

She graduated from high school in 1946 and was the first in her family to attend college. Betty attended her beloved Edgewood University in Madison, Wisconsin. She went on to earn her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.

Her first teaching job was at Oregon Wisconsin. Teaching was a passion of Betty’s, and she taught at several schools over 7 years. While she loved teaching, she decided to stay home once she had children.

In 1954, Betty married the love of her life, Robert (Bob), whom she met in college through mutual friends. They raised their family in East Lansing MI. Together they built a life filled with love and partnership for 71 years.

Betty was a wonderful cook, talented seamstress, knitter, quilter, crafter, an avid reader and a passionate Michigan State basketball fan. Her meals and gatherings were legendary, always bringing family and friends together with delicious food, warm hospitality, and lasting memories. Her children and grandchildren were blessed to wear clothes she lovingly sewed, wrap themselves in personalized quilts she stitched with care, and treasure the many handmade crafts she created throughout the years. Her creativity, generosity, and love are woven into countless gifts and memories.

Betty is survived by her children: William ‘Bill’ Merkel of Menominee, MI; Jane Merkel of Northville MI; Ann (John) Walton of Marshall MI, and Sue Merkel of Ann Arbor MI; 2 grandchildren, Benjamin ‘Ben’ Walton of Kalamazoo MI and Alexander ‘Alex’ Walton of Ridgeland, SC; step-granddaughter Emily Walton of Loveland CO, her sister in law Tessie Merkel of Marshfield WI, and brother in law Pat Walsh of Marshfield WI and many nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband Bob; parents, George and Kathryn (O’Connor) Genin, her in-laws, Max and Agnes (Huber) Merkel; her siblings Arlene (Robert) Voelz, Leona (Larry) Meyer, Raymond (Marian) Genin, Violet Genin; her brother in-laws and sister in-laws; and step-grandson Andrew ‘Andy’ Walton.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday August 5, 2026, at 10 a.m to 11:00 a.m. at St Andrew’s Catholic Church in Saline. A funeral mass will be held immediately following the visitation. A Committal Service will be held at Resurrection Cemetery in Madison Wisconsin later in August.

The family is grateful for the dedicated care she received from Honor Caregivers and Silver Maples Assisted Living.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to honor Betty’s devotion to teaching and deep love for her alma mater, memorial donations may be made in Betty's honor to the School of Education at Edgewood University, Advancement Office, 1000 Edgewood Drive, Madison, WI, 53711. On-line donations may be made at http://edgewood.edu/give-now, or call 608-663-3288.