Mary Suzanne “Sue” Merkel – Hansen-Spear

Mary Suzanne “Sue” Merkel, age 97 of Quincy, died on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 12:28 am at Good Samaritan Home.

She was born on February 8, 1928 in Galesburg, Illinois the daughter of Hunter B. and Sadie L. Clark Smith. On August 2, 1947 she married John E. Merkel at St. Rose of Lima Church in Quincy. He preceded her in death.

Sue was an excellent cook, and she always had a big meal prepared and welcomed her family home with a smile. She loved cooking and sharing food, especially her chicken noodle soup, with friends and family. She loved spending time with her family, and cherished the summers spent in Minnesota at Trout Lake.

In high school, Sue and some of her girl friends started a girl’s club called PDFC, and they remained friends and stayed connected throughout their lives. Sue enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge at the Women’s City Club and Quincy County Club. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Survivors include three children: John (Carolyn) Merkel of Foristell, MO, Jane Burton of Quincy, and James (Michele) Merkel of Lake St. Louis, MO; a daughter-in-law, Marsha Merkel of Quincy; seven grandchildren, Jeff Merkel of Quincy, Jennifer (Michael) Howie of Chatham, IL, Sarah (Nate) Dvorak of O’Fallon, MO, Katie Burton of Omaha, NE, Mike Burton of Ballwin, MO, Jimmy (Katie) Merkel of O’Fallon, MO and Kayla (Jason) Hauk of Foristell, MO; nine great grandchildren, Julia and Kiersten Howie, Quintin J, Bright, Kolton Phipps, Tanner Dvorak, Brynlee and Mirrah Merkel, Riley Hauk and Lincoln Hauk; and many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband John, she was preceded in death by her son, William H. Merkel, her parents, two granddaughters, Julia and Christine Merkel, her brother, William C. Smith, and a brother-in-law, Russell (Shirley) Merkel.

Visitation: 9:00 to 11:00 am on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.

Services: 11:00 am on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home, with Chaplain Josh Vahle officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the Good Samaritan Home Foundation, Calvary Baptist Church, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Memorial donations may be made online at

Memorials

www.hansenspear.com

Hansen-Spear Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.