Mary Lee Merkel, 88 of Scottsbluff, Nebraska passed away peacefully Friday, February 2, 2024 at Emerald Court.
A private family burial was held at Sunset Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 1pm at Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel with Pastor Tim Hebbert officiating. A space has been reserved at Backaracks from 2:00-5:00 to continue our celebration gathering of MaryLee. Bring your memories and stories as we lift one last “Red Beer” cheers to MaryLee. Memorials may be given to Emerald Court. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com.
Mary Lee was born on April 17, 1935 in Bloomfield, Nebraska to Edward and Henrietta (Ehlers) Greckel. She graduated from Crofton High School. She married Michael Merkel on January 7, 1953 in Crofton, Nebraska where they made their home. In 1961, they moved to Scottsbluff, Nebraska. In 1963, they purchased Scotty’s Drive In in Scottsbluff and owned and operated it for over 30 years. She worked for Lockwoods and Maseks for a number of years. She worked at various nursing homes in the area. She enjoyed working and taking care of others.
She loved spending time with her family but loved her time with grandson Eric. She treasured trips to Wendover with Virginia Ferguson.
Survivors include her granddaughter Kammie (John) Wilson of Scottsbluff and great grandson Eric Wilson; brother Ronald (Rose) Greckel of Gering nephews Robb and Corey; brothers-in-law Roger (Bette) Merkel of Hartington, NE and Tony Schenbeck of Colorado; sister-in-law Gerri Merkel of Omaha, NE and numerous extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Michael, daughter Kathy, brother-in-law Bob Merkel and sister-in-law Donna Schenbeck.