Dorothy J. “Dotty” Merchant (nee Loless), 99, of Waterloo, died March 4, 2024, in Waterloo. She was born Aug. 10, 1924, in Creal Spring.

Dotty worked at Pet Inc. in downtown St. Louis as a communication specialist. Upon retirement, she and her husband moved to South Texas. She loved dancing, oil painting, playing cards, swimming and trips to South Padres Island. Dotty was serious about playing pool and continued playing into her 90s.

Dotty was always involved in the churches she attended. Many fond memories of service at Christ Community Lutheran Church in Columbia and recently at Holy Cross Lutheran in Wartburg.

She is survived by her daughters Michael Sue (Howard) Schmidt and Barbara Jo (Clyde) Kirby; grandchildren Philip (Laura) Schmidt, Matthew (Sabrina) Schmidt, Elizabeth Mack, Shannon (Tanya) Howell and Leasa (Ken) Helmick; 22 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren and three on the way; nieces; nephews; and cousins.

Dotty is preceded in death by her husband Frank Merchant; parents Robert L. and Flora (nee Keel) Loless; son Roger L. Merchant; four sisters and three brothers.

Visitation is 2-5 p.m. March 10 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo and 9 a.m. until time of service March 11 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wartburg.

A funeral service will follow at 10 a.m. at the church with Rev. Dan Ostlund  officiating

Interment will be at Valhalla Cemetery in Belleville.

As an expression of sympathy the family prefers memorial contributions to: Holy Cross Lutheran Church – Pavilion Fund; or donor’s choice