Barbara von Merz
Barbara Ruth Massey von Merz, a resident of Georgetown, Texas, and long-time resident of Austin, passed from this life to join her heavenly Savior on July 28, 2026. She was born in La Villa, Texas, and graduated from Austin High School, class of ’51. She became a Christian at age 12, at which time Jesus became the lifetime source of her strength. She married Carl David von Merz in 1951, and together they raised three daughters.
Surviving her are her beloved daughters: Caren von Merz Foster (husband James), Carla von Merz (husband Greg Watson) and Allison von Merz. Other survivors are granddaughters Alora Foster Hamilton (husband Mark) and Erin Foster Duran, great-grandchildren Hudson Hamilton, Elliott Hamilton, Nathaniel Hamilton, George Hamilton, Owen Duran, Olivia Duran and Rylee Jane Hobbs. Also surviving are nieces and nephews Marsha Daskevich (Ron), Franklin Massey (Kay), Russ Massey (Tina), Charles Massey and many other extended family members. She is also survived by many longtime friends from Austin and Sun City, whom she loved dearly.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Ira Massey and her beloved mother Johnnie Alora Massey, her infant son, and brothers Stanley Massey, George Massey, Russell Massey, Jack Massey and Don Massey. She was the youngest of six and the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Through the years, Barbara loved interior decorating, gardening, art and music. She was on the board of Laguna Gloria Art Museum and was president of their Women’s Art Guild for several years. She loved learning and enjoyed LAMP at UT for 20 years. She was an avid collector of Mexican folk art and was a passionate gardener. Her yard was always one of the most beautiful in her neighborhood. She enjoyed careers in interior and landscape design in addition to retail and manufacturer sales. Her Texas heritage was a source of pride and she loved Texas wildflowers and landscapes, and loved being surrounded by beautiful things.
Her lasting wishes were for her family and friends to always love God, and to love each other.
The family would like to thank all the people that provided help and care in her last few years, months and days, including family, therapists, and friends. Sincere thanks go to caregivers Michelle and Tara, and to the wonderful and caring staff at Truewood Assisted Living.
A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 7 at Ramsey Funeral Home, 5600 Williams Drive in Georgetown, Texas. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice or to The Caring Place in Georgetown.