In Loving Memory of Phyllis Merck,
Phyllis Merck, 71, passed away July 11th, surrounded by her loving family at Advent Health Hospital. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.
Phyllis Merck was born on January 20th in Illinois to the late George Tomlin and Caroline (Vespole) Tomlin and now joins them, as well as her brother, George Tomlin.
Since meeting her husband and moving to Oviedo, Florida in 1976, Phyllis Merck cherished her time spent with family while boating, fishing and camping. She loved to dance and she loved Marco Island. She was passionate about animals and would frequently be found taking home animals off the street. She always found joy in just being around those she loved.
Phyllis will forever be remembered for her brave fight with ovarian cancer for over 15 years. She was a fighter who beat many odds allowing her family 5 more memorable extra years with her. She will be dearly missed by her husband, Leon Merck, and their children Teresa (Merck) Gurtner, Christy Merck and Lee Merck. In addition, her three grandchildren; Haleigh Merck, Owen Gurtner and Kaitlyn Gurtner and her son-in-law Ken Gurtner.
She was a mom, mamama, wife, mama dukes- a fighter, and a bit of a loon, but she was our loon and will be forever missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held and all who knew and loved Phyllis Merck are welcome to attend and pay their respects.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance at https://ocrahope.org/?form=donations in memory of Phyllis Merck and her brave battle.
The family appreciates your show of love and support during this difficult time. May the memories of Phyllis Merck's life bring comfort and solace to all those who mourn her loss.
