News Summary
Chattanooga is grieving the loss of Merle Belz Backer, who passed away at the age of 89. A loving mother and grandmother, her impact was felt through her kindness and community contributions. Survived by her children and grandsons, Merle’s legacy includes her role as a successful realtor and an active synagogue member. Her passions included family, friendships, and social gatherings, making her a cherished figure in her community.
Chattanooga Mourns the Loss of Beloved Matriarch Merle Belz Backer
Chattanooga is mourning the loss of Merle Belz Backer, who passed away at the age of 89. A devoted mother and loving wife, Merle touched the lives of many through her kindness and resilience. She is survived by her three children and five grandsons.
A Life Filled with Loyalty and Love
Merle was born on September 28, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois. Raised in the Gold Coast neighborhood by her parents, Morris and Lillian Belz, she had two siblings, an older brother and a younger sister. Her fond childhood memories include summers spent on her family’s boat on Lake Michigan and visits to museums with her mother.
In 1948, Merle’s family relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, where her father and uncles opened a furniture factory. Her weekends were often spent playing in that factory, where a memorable incident involving a staple gun with her cousin became a family story. Merle’s academic excellence and popularity in high school led her to graduate from Central High School in Memphis.
Continuing her education, she attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she joined the Sigma Delta Tau sorority. It was after college that she returned to Memphis, where she met her future husband, Dr. Bruce H. Backer, on a blind date. The couple wed in 1956 after Bruce completed dental school.
Family and Career
The newlyweds moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where Bruce served as a captain in the Air Force. Their first child, Marla, was born in 1957, with Merle’s mother traveling to help after the birth. As a grandmother, Merle played a significant role in her grandchildren’s lives, traveling to Sydney, Australia, to assist Marla with her sons, and visiting other grandchildren across the country.
In 1959, the Backer family settled in Chattanooga, where Bruce began his dental practice. Merle dedicated herself to her family, prioritizing summers in Memphis with her children. Over the years, Merle was not only a loving parent but also became a successful realtor and later a broker, working for more than 20 years with Coldwell Banker Pryor Realty.
A Community Leader
Beyond her career, Merle was a dedicated member of the B’nai Zion synagogue in Chattanooga, contributing to the community through her active involvement. She served on the executive board as secretary and was affiliated with Hadassah and Sisterhood, reflecting her pride in her Jewish heritage and her support for Israel.
Merle had a passion for social activities, forming lasting friendships through her weekly mahjong group, which she participated in for 50 years. She loved reading and enjoyed music from artists like Barbara Streisand and Frank Sinatra. Her travels included trips to Israel, Europe, Alaska, and the Bahamas, adding rich experiences to her life.
Legacy
Merle is remembered for her caring spirit that left a significant impact on all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bruce, and her granddaughter, Jessica Lillian Backer. Merle is survived by her children—Marla, Dean, and Robert—and her five grandsons: Sam, Spencer, Carter, Jake, and Miles.
Final Farewell
A graveside service will be held on Monday, May 12, at 10 a.m. at B’nai Zion Cemetery in Chattanooga. Arrangements are being handled by Heritage Funeral Home.
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Additional Resources
- Heritage Chattanooga: Merle Backer Obituary
- Legacy.com: Miles Curt Obituary
- Legacy.com: Donna Marie Chappell Kerlin Obituary
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chattanooga
