ILION-Grace T. Mergenthaler-Cave age 84 of Sixth Avenue formerly of Nathan Galinsky Apartments, Herkimer passed away on Sunday morning June 18, 2006 in Mohawk Valley Nursing Home. She was born on October 6, 1921 in the town of Herkimer, daughter of the late Orria and Lillian Busch Foster. A lifelong area resident, she was a graduate of St Johnsville High School. On April 18, 1942 she was united in marriage with Frederick Mergenthaler in the North Columbia Church , Ilion . Mr. Mergenthaler preceded her in death in March of 1991. For twenty years Grace was employed by Mohawk Valley General Hospital, retiring in 1979. She had a strong belief in God and was of the Methodist faith. She was happiest when she was surrounded by her many friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Grace, a loving, caring person with a wonderful sense of humor will always be remembered for her positive attitude. Weather at work or later in her retirement years living at Nathan Galinsky Apartments, she brought joy to anyone who knew her. She loved to play games like Yatzi and Dominoes and will always be remembered for teaching the game of Dominoes to the residents at Galinsky as well as organizing a group to play the game and the special Dominoes T-Shirts that the group wore. She will be truly missed. Surviving are two sons, David Mergenthaler Sr. and his wife Roberta of Ilion, Frederick Mergenthaler and his wife Joanne of FL, two daughters, Margaret Remp of Utica, Lillian Oram and her husband Cliff of Ilion, a daughter-in-law, Marietta Mergenthaler of Ilion, a brother, John Foster of FL, two sisters, Betty and her husband Bill Burdick of Ilion, Jane Lindig of Utica, sixteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her parents and husband Frederick she was preceded in death by her beloved son Michael J. Mergenthaler, loving grandson Daniel Mergenthaler, granddaughter Brianna Woods, twin grandsons Blas and Daniel Mergenthaler, three brothers, Bernard, Walter and Harold Foster, two sisters, Freda Denslow and Evelyn Carter and special friend Raymond Cave. Funeral service will be on Wednesday at 3:00 pm in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer. The Reverend Robert Wollaber will officiate. Interment will follow in Cedarville Cemetery . The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends two hours prior to the funeral service (1:00 until 3:00 pm). A special thanks to Graces dear friends Joe and Joanne Spadea for their continued kindness over the years and to the staff of Mohawk Valley Nursing Home whos dedicated and loving care gave her great happiness. Grace always had a smile to offer and wanted a hug in return, which is sure to be missed by all who knew her.