Dorothy Illene Merz, 72, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at the Midland Hospice House in Topeka, Kansas. She was born on December 5, 1938 in Whiting, Kansas the daughter of John and Dorothy Myers Monaghan. She married Charles Merz in 1960 in Willis, Kansas they were later divorced. Dorothy was a LPN nurse and worked for several nursing homes in the area. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Horton, Kansas, enjoyed crocheting, babysitting and spending time with her family. Survivors include a daughter, Laura Merz of Topeka, Kansas; two sons, Gary & wife Lisa Merz of Muscotah, Kansas and Robin Merz of Meriden, Kansas; two sisters, Eudene Behrnes of Horton, Kansas and Maxine Pollom of Ottawa, Kansas; three brothers, Dale Monaghan of Topeka, Kansas, Wayne Monaghan of Everest, Kansas and Daryl Monaghan of Hiawatha, Kansas; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Dennis Merz and two brothers, Lyle & Carol Monaghan. Funeral services will be at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas where the family will greet friends on Friday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. Burial will be at the Horton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Dorothy Illene Merz memorial fund to be designated later and may be sent in care of the mortuary. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com