"Many fun memories with Shirley. She was a great friend. God Bless the family. "
In loving memory of
Shirley Merkel
October 2, 1926 - August 5, 2022
Shirley Marie (Abbott) Merkel, age 95, formerly of 903 Country Club Dr., Quincy, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 5, 2022, at 11:32 am at the Arbors / Adams Pointe.
Shirley was born October 2, 1926, in Quincy, the daughter of W. Earl and Erma E. (Haxel) Abbott. She loved dancing and with her sister, Mary, performed and tap danced throughout Adams County. Shirley graduated from Quincy High School in 1945 where she was head cheerleader. She met the love of her life, Russell C. Merkel, in 7th grade and had their first date in 9th grade. They married on June 12, 1948, in St. John's Catholic Church and were longtime members of St. Peter's Catholic Church.
Shirley worked on many community committees. She was a member of the Quincy Country Club and the Elks Club. She was a friend to everyone and never knew a stranger. Her family was her greatest enjoyment but also loved fishing, boating, golf, bowling, gardening singing, dancing and mushroom hunting with her brother, Kenneth.
Survivors include her children, Russell "Rusty" (Penny Kipley) Merkel of Pagosa Springs, CO, Mary (Larry) Rollins of Friendswood, TX, and Salli (Scott) Kuncewicz of Quincy; six grandchildren, Shelly (Chris) Lewis, Daniel Merkel, Ryan (Michelle) Schnack, Christopher (Maegil) Schnack, Natalie (George, Jr. Castillo) Rollins, Lance (Emily) Rollins; seven great-grandchildren and one on the way in January; two step-grandchildren, Michelle (Scott) Atteberry and Deanna Leffers, a sister-in-law, Sue Merkel and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Russ, Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter-in-law, Pamela Merkel, a great grandson, Jackson Lewis, a step-granddaughter, Kimberly Smith, two brothers, William (Beatrice) and Kenneth (Bernice) Abbott, two sisters, Mary (Marvin) Goessling and Joann (Jerry) Reynolds, and a brother-in-law, John E. Merkel.
Visitation: 1:30 to 3:00 pm on Saturday August 13, 2022, at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.
Services: 3:00 pm on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.
Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of the donor's choice. Memorial Donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are handling the arrangements.
Tributes
"My neighbor. She was such a free spirit . I would love to stop and talk with her, if I saw her out. RIP, Shirley."
"When I was growing up on CC Dr, I was always at their house because they had a trampoline and Shirley always had treats all day for us. I had my first bomb pop at their house. Shirley was one of a kind and introduced me to my ex?..I will forgive her for that! She was the life of the party, always singing and dancing. She is with her love, Russ and you know she and Rosie are singing and dancing away making Heaven a fun place!!! Shirley gave the world 3 wonderful kids and lots of legacies!!!"