Nancy Rhyne Merck

We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Nancy (Rhyne) Lowery Merck, 86, of Charlotte, North Carolina. She passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025 with family by her side at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center. She was born in Gaston County, North Carolina, on August 20, 1938 to the late George White and Frances Crane Rhyne.

Nancy graduated from King’s Business College in November of 1957. She worked at the Gaston County Courthouse as an Assistant Clerk of Superior Court for over thirty years where she was well loved by her coworkers until she retired. She was always cooking and baking for them and would gladly make a lemon pound cake at a moment’s notice whenever one of them asked, always happy to share anything she made. Nancy valued her family and friends, keeping them close and always finding time to be around them. There was nothing she loved more than spending time in the kitchen, baking, and hosting family, especially around the holidays and making sure each of these events were truly special.

She was beloved by the community and received support from countless people. She married the Reverend Dr. John Merck on August 2, 1997, blending together a large and wonderful family. Nancy loved being a wife, a sister, a mother, a grandmother, and a great grandmother. She was a lifelong and devoted member of the Lutheran Church. She sang in the choir at both Holy Communion Lutheran Church in Dallas and A Mighty Fortress Lutheran Church in Charlotte.

Nancy is survived by her husband, John; her sister Mary Louise Huggins; her daughters Karen Lowery Ray (Anthony), Lynn Lowery Moretz (Alfred); her grandchildren Whitney Ray Edge (Joe), Erin Ray, Christina Moretz, and Nathaniel Moretz; and her great grandchildren Kinsley, Huxley, and Hayes Edge. She is also survived by her step-children David Merck (Caroline), Paul Merck (Lisa), and Ann Merck MacLellan (Thomas); her step-grandchildren Jack Merck (Meaghan), Alex Merck, Josh Merck, Samantha Merck, Margaret (Maggie) MacLellan, James MacLellan, Kaley MacLellan, and Finn MacLellan. She is survived by many loved nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and many friends.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, James Donald Lowery; her sisters, Jean Ann Carter, Jackie DeFronzo, and Dot Tober; and her grandchild Sara Elizabeth Ray.

On Saturday, May 10th, a memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm at A Mighty Fortress Lutheran Church at 8200 McClure Circle in Charlotte officiated by Reverend Clarence Pettit. Prior to the service, there will be a receiving visitation from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm in the education building. The graveside service will be held at Holy Communion Lutheran Church at 103 West Church Street in Dallas at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to A Mighty Fortress Lutheran Church or Kidneycancer.org

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com