SALLY MERKEL
Sally Sue Merkel (nee Wilson), 80, of Scio, Ohio, formerly of Shadyside, Dillonvale, Cadiz, OH and Spartanburg, SC went on to her Eternal Reward on April 16, 2025, while at Sunnyslope Care Center in Bowerston. She was born on June 30, 1944, in Bellaire, Ohio, the daughter of the late Harry Francis and Ethel Conley Wilson.
After graduating from Shadyside High School in 1962, Sally quickly chose registered nursing as her profession. She was a distinguished member of the final graduating class of the Ruth Brant School of Nursing at Martins Ferry Hospital in 1965 where she was honored as holding the highest grade point average in her class and also the graduate who displayed the most characteristics of a nurse. Sally worked in several locations throughout her career including Bellaire, Martins Ferry, Harrison Community, Twin City, and Ohio Valley (Steubenville) Hospitals; the Harrison County Health Department where she was also the school nurse; and the Health Plan of the Upper Ohio Valley.
Sally married the love of her life, Miller “Shybuck” Merkel in 1966. They worked diligently and made a comfortable life together, raising two children, of whom they were very proud. They later took joy in spending time with their grandsons during week-long trips, weekend sleepovers and attending many sporting games and matches.
In her later years, Sally thoroughly enjoyed painting, playing the organ, people watching, listening to country music, traveling, and bird and squirrel watching. She always ensured the feeders were full for her “wild friends.”
Sally was known to tell stories of her life and family. She enjoyed reminiscing about the times they had together, both pleasant and difficult. She was also not afraid to voice her opinion on subjects that she found to be unjust–no matter how controversial.
Sally made peace with God years ago. She was raised in church and drew her strength from the Lord. She faithfully read her Bible and prayed for her family. Sally had attended the Presbyterian Church of Cadiz, New Life Deliverance Church, Trinity Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg, and Scio Presbyterian Church.
Sally stated she had no regrets in her life.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Miller August “Shybuck” Merkel in 2014; an infant daughter, Melissa Sue Merkel in 1966; and older brothers, Joseph and Louis Wilson.
Sally is survived by her children, Charles (Melissa) Merkel of Spartanburg, SC and Suzanne (Brian) Stull of Scio; grandchildren, Hunter Merkel of Dayton, TX, and Brandon Stull and Brenton Stull of Scio, OH; 6 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Marcia Wilson of Raleigh, NC and Bonnie Wilson of Washington, PA; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 2-4 and 5-7 until the time of funeral service at 7 PM. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family at Holly Memorial Gardens in Colerain.
The memorial guestbook may be signed at clark-kirkland-barr. com.