Lois J. Merkey

Lois J. Merkey, 85, formerly of West High Street, Manheim, and a resident of Brethren Village, Lancaster, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at the Heart Of Lancaster Regional Medical Center, Lititz.

Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Earl and Mary Kreider. Lois was a 1943 graduate of McCaskey High School; and received laboratory and X-ray technology education from the Lancaster General Hospital. She worked many years at the Elizabethtown Childrens Hospital and at Columbia Hospital. Lois was the loving wife of J. Harold Merkey; and they observed their 63rd wedding anniversary in April of this year. She was an active and faithful member of East Fairview Church Of The Brethren, Manheim; where she served the church in many areas and was a volunteer organist for 25 years. Loiss family considered her a professional volunteer for her spirit of giving of her time to: Red Cross at Lancaster General Hospital for 25 years, or as a family visitor for Hospice of Lancaster County, and her letter and card ministry; where she spent many hours writing letters and notes to people whether she knew them or not; encouraging them in any way that she could, or thank them for acts of kindness. She served at Brethren Village faithfully for many years as President of the Auxiliary, Gift Shop Manager and as a member of the Board of Trustees. Lois had a special passion for her family and she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She and her husband traveled over most of the United States, Canada, also Europe, and Hawaii. Lois loved entertaining friends and family on the family yacht, aLoHa, (Lois Harold) on the Chesapeake Bay. Lois and Harold attended three Church of the Brethren annual conferences by boat.

Surviving in addition to her husband, are two daughters: Sally wife of Ronald Young, and Susan wife of Scot Reppert all of Manheim, three grandsons: Nicholas Young, Jonathan and Michael Reppert, and a sister, Hazel Huffman of Lancaster. Preceding her in death is a son, John P. Merkey and a grandson, Brandon Young.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her memorial service at the East Fairview Church Of The Brethren, 1187 Fairview Road, Manheim, on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Jimm A. Roland and Pastor Dana E. Statler officiating. Interment will be private in the adjoining church cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church.

Please omit flowers. Those desiring may send contributions in Loiss memory to Brethren Village Good Samaritan Fund 3001 Lititz Pike, P. O. Box 5096, Lancaster, PA 17606.