Heather Rhea Merkel, 38, of Johnstown died Thursday, November 11, 2021 at Somerset Hospital. Born in San Diego, California on February 20, 1983, she was the daughter of Steven Ray Merkel of Mobridge, SD and the late Virginia Lee ( Vickery) Merkel who died October 28, 2021.

Until recently, she had resided with her mother in Johnstown. Heather was a friendly, loveable person who had the warmest of smiles. She loved her family and enjoyed being with them whenever she could.

In addition to her father, she will be sadly missed by the following aunts and uncles: Holly Merkel Parks; Darrell Merkel; David Merkel; Tina M. Vickery; Michelle Bogus; and Helen L. Gettys and her husband, Jim. Other surviving family members include her great aunts and uncles: Connie and Harold Platt; Karen Jurcevich; Hope Nickdemus; Barbara Rosenthal; Bill Jurcevich (Patricia); and, Eugene Roberts (Elma). Heather is also remembered by her cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother; paternal grandparents, Raymond and Louise Merkel; maternal grandfather, James Michael Vickery and by several other aunts and uncles.

No services will be held at this time. At a later date, Heather’s remains will be laid to rest with the remains of her mother.