Esther Frances Merritt left for her heavenly home, at the age of 85, on Jan. 7, 2026. She was lovingly known to her family as Nanny or Queen Esther.

She was born in Sealy, Texas on Aug. 24, 1940, and lived most of her life on the street that bears her family name, Maler Rd. Eventually her oldest daughter, Virginia and her husband Al, moved down the road from her. The remaining neighbors on the road were primarily family, so they all lovingly watched over each other.

Esther graduated from high school in 1958 and married the love of her life, Clarence Merritt, on Oct. 11, 1958, and were married 46 wonderful years. Since Clarence was a firefighter for the City of Houston they lived in Houston when they started their family and eventually had two daughters, Virginia and Wanda. In the Summer of 1975, the family moved to Sealy.

Once her daughters were grown, she and Clarence spent many Summers in the Sierra Nevada mountains at Twin Lakes Resort making many friends and doing what she loved, fishing! They also did many other adventurous vacations with friends, including trips to Switzerland and Israel, as well as, Maine, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado to visit family.

When Clarence was diagnosed with cancer, they remained in Sealy from that time forward and he went home to heaven on April 2, 2005.

Esther was well known in Sealy and participated in many clubs and organizations. She served as the President of the Garden Club, assisted with election days, helped with Meals on Wheels for Austin County and was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Sealy for 30+ years, serving as the church secretary approximately 10 years.

Like her sisters, she was gifted with hospitality and served on the hospitality team. In addition, she went on several mission trips to Mexico and one to the Czech Republic.

She was an excellent cook and hosted many dinners for family and friends. She loved building relationships with family and friends. She also loved playing games, but you had to keep her honest, as the rules of the game may change in her favor from time to time. She was very competitive!

Esther was preceded in death by her parents John and Marie Maler, brother Edward Maler, sisters Tillie Sell and husband Allen Sell, Gladys Frank and husband Herbert Frank, Doris Brast, daughter Virginia Henry and her husband Al Henry and nephew Tony Frank. She is survived by her daughter Wanda Abel and Son in Law Scott Abel. Granddaughters Lindsey Cooper and her husband Kevin, Alyssa Abel, Darci Abel, McKenna Abel and her fiancé Justin Higdon. Great grandsons, Connor and Jason Cooper.

Pallbearers are Scott Abel, Justin Higdon, Nick Friedlander, Kevin Cooper, Jerry Gipson and Ralph Bond.

Honorary Pallbearers are Connor and Jason Cooper.

Funeral service was held Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at the First Baptist Church in Sealy with Pastor Terry Wright officiating. Interment followed in the Sealy Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Schmidt Funeral Home – Bellville. – (979) 865-2424 – www.schmidtfunerals. com

ESTHER FRANCES MERRITT