Pamela Jean "Pam" Merkel, age 55, of Quincy, died Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 2:45 pm in her home.

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


Pam was employed at The Plaza Restaurant as the head daytime waitress from 1984 until 1991. She became a manager at The Plaza Restaurant 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 flowers 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 Manhatten, IL, Deana Leffers of Quincy, Dan Merkel of Chicago, and Kimberly (Jeff) Smith of Lewistown, MO; ten 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, FL, and three sisters, Sharon (Russ) Hill of St. Petersburg, FL, Barb Ancell of Quincy, and Teresa (Jim) Werneth of Quincy; several nieces and nephews; and her best friend, Marlene Creely of St. Louis, MO.


She was preceded in death by her father.


Services: 11:00 am Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with the Rev. Keith Garner officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.


Visitation: 4 to 7 pm on Monday, December 27, 2010 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.


Memorials: Madonna House and Blessing Foundation for Hospice




Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.