Pamela Jean "Pam" Merkel

Pamela Jean "Pam" Merkel, 55, of Quincy, died at 2:45 p.m. Tuesday (Dec. 21, 2010) in her home.

She was born Feb. 21, 1955, in Quincy, the daughter of James and Norma Reagan Ancell. On June 14, 1985, she married Rusty Merkel in Quincy. He survives.

Pam was employed at the Plaza restaurant as the head daytime waitress from 1984 until 1991. She became a manager from 1993 until 2006. She was a board member of the Arthritis Foundation and volunteered for the telethon.

Pam liked to fish, cook and bake. She enjoyed gardening and spending time in her flower gardens. Pam loved spending time with her family. She was family oriented and enjoyed reunions and picnics in the park.

Survivors, in addition to her husband, include five children, Michelle (Scott) Attebery of Quincy, Shelly (Chris) Lewis of Manhattan, Ill., Deana Leffers of Quincy, Dan Merkel of Chicago, and Kimberly (Jeff) Smith of Lewistown, Mo.; 10 grandchildren, Ashley and Andrew Attebery, Cortney Patterson, Jessica and Jackson Lewis, Zach Zawisza, and Taylor, Lauren, Megan and Madelyn Leffers; one great-grandson, Braiden Attebery; her mother, Norma Ancell of Quincy; a brother, Warren Ancell of Palm Beach, Fla.; and three sisters, Sharon (Russ) Hill of St. Petersburg, Fla., Barb Murphy of Quincy, and Teresa (Jim) Werneth of Quincy; several nieces and nephews; and her best friend, Marlene Creely of St. Louis.

She was preceded in death by her father.

SERVICES: 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home, with the Rev. Keith Garner officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

VISITATION: 4 to 7 p.m. Monday in the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.

MEMORIALS: Madonna House and Blessing Foundation for Hospice.

ARRANGEMENTS: Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.

WEBSITE: www.hansenspear.com.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.whig.com.