Maria Graciela Sainz de Merkle, was born in Limoncito, Sinaloa, Mexico.  Gracie dearly loved her brothers and sisters and enjoyed the outdoor life of raising cattle and farming the family land.  Her family had only a few generations ago settled Limoncito.  She often shared fond memories of how she made her own cheese and butter and sold it at the market.

Gracie met her husband, Joseph Merkle, while he was farming tomatoes in Mexico and followed him as a faithful and loving wife from Sinaloa Mexico to California, to Argentina and back to California where they finally settled in Paso Robles.  She transferred her love of farming into her garden. Her motherly care extended beyond her own daughter and touched a great many people through her actions of kindness, care and dedication.  Gracie truly moved with faith and had a deep love for God.

She is survived by her daughter, son-in-law and granddaughters, Sandra, Philippe, Elizabeth and Alexandra Nicolay; by her brother and sisters, Jesus Sainz, Maria Luisa Sainz de Hernandez, Gertrude Sainz de Lopez; and her step son and daughters, James Merkle, Kathryn Machak, Jose Merkle, Karen Borzini and Robert Merkle.

Our mother Gracie will be greatly missed but mostly remembered and celebrated for her selfless love and service.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 26, 2020 at the Mission San Miguel. 775 Mission Street in San Miguel, CA 93451.  Burial will follow in the Paso Robles District Cemetery.