Merle Leriche, 93, died peacefully on November 19, 2021. She was born on July 1, 1928 in St. Louis, MO.
Merle is survived by her 5 children Renee (Kermit) Simmons, Dennis Leriche, Phyllis (Bill) Henson, Glenn (Kathy) Leriche and Thomas Leriche; 10 grandchildren, Robert Summers (Stacey), Matthew (Carol) Simmons, Anthony (Tracy) Leriche, Jason (Tiffany) Leriche, Lora (Dave) Keen, Lisa Leriche, Stefanie Shure (fiancée, Matt Oblein), Stacie Henson, Christina Gooch and Wade (Chelsea) Leriche; 17 great-grandchildren Alyssa, Grace, Charles, Parker, Brianna, Donovan, Ian, Ryan, Zander, Elijah, Charleigh, Delainie, Caitlyn, Alison, Sullivan, Sloan and Easton.
Merle was preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, Edward Joseph Leriche; her sister, Shirley Doggett; and her parents, Richard and Emily Chappell.
She had been a resident of Garden Villas O Fallon, Missouri for the past 7 years and was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Harvester. She was active in many church activities, including Mary Martha and Stephen Ministries, Acts Bible Study and Lady's Bible Study groups. Merle worked at Carter Carburetor for 18 years, after retirement in 1984, she owned a children's clothing resale shop in Bridgeton. Merle will be greatly missed as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.
Family will greet guests from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 22, 2021 with the funeral service immediately following at 7:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home 837 Mid Rivers Mall Drive Saint Peters, Missouri 63376. Interment will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at 9:45 a.m. with the funeral procession leaving the funeral home at 8:30 a.m.
Memorials in Merle's honor can be made to Zion Lutheran Church in Harvester, MO at 3866 South Old Highway 94 in St. Charles, MO 63304, (636) 441-7425.