Jeanene Louise Dittman Merka

Jeanene Louise Dittman Merka, age 79 of Wharton and formerly of Baytown passed away Monday morning, February 16, 2015 at her residence. She was born July 30, 1935 in Goose Creek, Texas, the daughter of the late Fred and Eva Dittman. After growing up in Baytown and graduating from Robert E. Lee High School in 1953, Jeanene married Albert Henry Merka, Jr. in Baytown. Jeanene move to Houston in 1959. She graduated from the University of Houston. She moved to Wharton in 1968. In addition to her parents, her ex-husband Albert preceded Jeanene in death. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many. She loved her dog Freddie Jean. Dr. Charles Norton was a longtime friend of Jeanene, whom she had met at a conference in Houston, Tx. He invited her to come see WCJC; Ora Rhodes offered her a position at WCJC. This started her love affair with Wharton and WCJC. She was an Educator at WCJC for 22 years, retiring in 1990. She loved WCJC and was an active supporter of the Cosmetology Department, Boys’ baseball team, Girls’ volleyball, Rodeo Team, Music and Theater Department, attending all the concerts and plays. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Wharton, where she belonged to the Methodist Women’s Group and Sunday School Class. She joined the Pilot Club in May 1991. During her membership, she served as Coordinator, Director, Vice President, President 1996-1997 and 2012-2013. Honoring her by selecting her as the Pilot Club of Wharton Sweetheart 2000-2001. She served Pilot Texas District Region V as Lt. Governor 1998-1999 and 1999-2000, Governor Elect 2001-2002 and Governor 2002-2003. She belonged to Pilot International Foundation and Pilot International Convention Committees. She attended over 15 Texas District Anchor Conventions and over 20 Texas District and Pilot International Conventions. Jeanene was a member and supporter of the Boys and Girls Club-Wharton, Habitat for Humanity, Wharton County, Hobby Theater-Houston Texas, Past Member of the Board of Directors of WCJC, Plaza Theater-Wharton, TX, Retired Teacher’s Association, Wharton County S.P.O.T, Scholarship fund for WCJC, Victory in Jesus-Wharton, Wharton Book Club, Wharton Chapter of American Legion, Wharton County 100 Club, Wharton County Library-“Jeanene Dittman Merka” room and Wharton County Museum. Following cremation, Memorial services will be held at First United Methodist Church of Wharton on March 7, 2015 at 2 pm. Honorary pallbearers are the members of Pilot Club of Wharton Jeanene is survived by her daughters Terrilyn Merka Jackson and husband, Gregory of Harker Heights, TX; Cindy Merka of Houston, TX and Michelle Merka Wasicek and husband, Stephen of Wharton, Tx; son, Michael Merka of Spicewood, TX; brother Fred Dittman Jr. of Baytown, TX; grandchildren Douglas Cisneros of Killeen, Clayton Russell of Magnolia, James Cisneros of Harker Heights, Lauren Merka of San Francisco, CA, Kathryn “Kit” Merka Granstaff of Spicewood, Brian Merka of Houston, Sarah Wasicek Armour of Pierce, Andrew “Drew” Merka of Norfolk, VA and Elizabeth “Libby” Wasicek of Wharton; and 10 great grandchildren. Memorials may be made to: Texas T.B.I Camp Foundation, Organ Fund-First United Methodist Church Wharton, TX, Plaza Theater Wharton or Wharton County 100 Club. Funeral services are under the direction of the Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com