Myrtle L. Braunecker

Myrtle L. Braunecker, age 85, passed away peacefully at 9:30 a.m. on July 26, 2025. She was born on October 16, 1939, in Tell City, Indiana, the daughter of the late Bill and Rosina “Rosie” Mullis Stephens.

Known to all as Mert, she was a proud graduate of Tell City High School. On April 22, 1960, she married the love of her life, James “Jim” Braunecker. They shared 49 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2009. Mert worked for many years at General Electric, where she retired after a long and dedicated career. She was a former member of the Tell City Moose Lodge and the American Legion. She loved motorcycle rides, camping, and, most of all, spending cherished time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

One of Mert’s most treasured memories involved her loyal dog, Daisy. After Jim’s passing, her son Jimmy brought Daisy to her, saying the dog needed a new home. At first, Mert resisted, insisting, “I don’t want no darn dog!” But within days, a deep bond formed, and Daisy became her faithful companion for many years, bringing her comfort and joy.

Mert was a funny, good-hearted, and feisty soul, always full of jokes and laughter, with a deep love for her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Debbie (Mike) Varner of Edmond, OK, Tammy (Billy) Linder of DeLand, FL, and Rochelle Smith of Tell City, IN; her beloved grandchildren, Michael Varner, Bridget Turan, Nikita Braunecker, Danielle Smith, Ashley Woodlock, Dakota Braunecker, and Duston Watson; great-grandchildren: Kalea Jones, Chase and Kaemon Turan; sister, Betty Nance; along with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Mert was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her infant daughter, Jana Lynn; her son, Jimmy Braunecker; and her brother, James “Jimmy” Stephens.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 12:00p.m. at Zoercher-Gillick Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Greenwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be on August 1, 2025, from 12:00p.m. to 3:00p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Condolences may be shared online at zoercher-gillickfuneralhome.com.

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