Mary Agnes (Merkel) Linger, 67, of Neptune Beach, Florida, passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021. She was born in Batesville, Indiana on December 13, 1953, to Herb and Catherine Merkel, and grew up on a farm, the youngest of five siblings.
Mary attended the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, to study childhood education where she met her husband David Linger, who survives. They married December 14, 1974. In 1981 the couple moved to Neptune Beach, Florida, to pursue Dave’s interest in hot air ballooning. They became active members of Christ United Methodist Church in Neptune Beach, where they volunteered with the youth group. This is also where Mary began teaching preschool, a career that she lovingly continued for more than 35 years, positively affecting the lives of many children.
In January of 2019, Mary underwent an unexpected heart surgery. Following her surgery, she was diagnosed with cancer, which she faced with courage and hope. In those challenging years, she continued to live a full life, travelling, and hot air ballooning. The family would like to thank their friends, family, and church communities for the prayers and support during Mary’s battle with cancer, as well as the doctors and nurses at Mayo Clinic.
In addition to her husband Dave, Mary is survived by two sons Jason and Travis, her sister Patricia Moster (Tony), and her brothers Mark Merkel (Judi) and Omer Merkel (Elizabeth). She was preceded in death by her parents, Herb and Catherine, stepmother, Anna Marie, and brother Francis Merkel.
A casual celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 31, 2021, from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 624 Delaware Rd, Batesville, Indiana, with scripture readings and sharing time from 2:00 – 3:00 pm.
Donations may be made to the preschool or children’s program at your local church in Mary’s memory.