Professor Patricia Elaine Merck, JD
February 07, 2019
Patricia Elaine Merck, 68, passed away February 7, 2019. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 23, 2019 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA.
Patricia was born February 19, 1950 near Demorest, Georgia to Ora (Mote) and Irce Williams. Her studies were important to her and she ultimately graduated from the University of Denver in Colorado with her JD degree. Patricia taught for 10+ years and most recently at Purdue Global in Urbandale. She was dedicated to her career, a hard-worker, and a strong independent woman. Patricia loved teaching and helping others attain their dreams.
She was a wonderful mother to her four children. Patricia was involved in their activities, took pride in their accomplishments, and was always there for them - always. In the end, it was Patricia’s devotion to her children that brought them to her in her hour of need.
In her free time Patricia enjoyed gardening, and using her home grown vegetables in her cooking, hosting family and friends in her home, and spending time at the ocean or in the mountains.
She will be dearly missed by her children, James, Marissa, Savanna and Amanda Merck; her 4-legged child, Sheila; sisters, Betty Williams and Pamela Mitchell; and a host of other loving relatives and many special friends. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Tricia Berry
02/09/2019
When I first became a manager Trish was one of my faculty. She could have run circles around me at that point but was a great mentor even as an employee. I was also a young mom at the time and learned much from her about parenting as well. She was a wonderful lady who always had a kind word for others. She will be missed.
Gurmit Kaur
02/09/2019
My sincere condolences to the Merck family. I had the privilege of working with Trish since 2016. Her dedication to her students' success was commendable. She was well liked and respected by all her colleagues and students.
Heather Valdes
02/09/2019
I am so very sorry to hear of Trish's passing. We worked together at Purdue Global. While we worked virtually, she was always a friendly co-worker, ready to help with anything and looking for ways to better reach our students. She was a kind supportive colleague and a wonderful member of our term. We will miss her insights. May her memory be a blessing.
John Berube
02/09/2019
I am so very sorry for your loss. I got to work with Trish over the last few years at Purdue Global. She was always quick to greet everyone warmly and to make people feel welcomed. She will be missed.
John Gray
02/08/2019
I am very sorry to hear about Trish's passing. It was a pleasure to work with her. Trish was creative, talented and always looking to uplift others. By following her example of professionalism, she made those of us around her better people. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Liz Fitzgerald
02/08/2019
Sincere condolences to Trish's family. I had the honor of working with Trish over the years and always admired her calm and insightful advice. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Brian Sweeney
02/08/2019
I was very sorry to hear this news today. Peace to Trish's family, friends and colleagues. Trish was a good friend and great boss. She will be missed by many.
Angela Sapp
02/08/2019
In this time of grief, your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I will forever be grateful for the impact she had on those she came across and in my life. I will always cherish her leadership and friendship. Please accept my deepest sympathies as I will be out of town during the visitation.
Sheila and Tom Trout
02/08/2019
I only got to spend alittle bit of time with your Mom but thru Tweety, Dad, Betty n Pam have known her for years. Years ago I was with her on Tybee, we had so much fun n even walked the beach from the condos to the pier then Tweety n Aunt Joyce left us sitting for several hrs!! Lol Tom and I will be praying for each of you!!
Jeff Gulley
02/08/2019
You have my sincere condolences for your loss. I worked with Trish at Purdue University Global and she was a wonderful colleague. She had a kind spirit and cared deeply about her students. She will definitely be missed by all.
Cheryl Young
02/08/2019
Deeply saddened to hear this news. My heart goes out to you all. Trish was an amazing person, friend and coworker to many! She was a weekly "patient" for my lab students for a long time- always willing to help and never missing a teaching moment. Please know that your family is in my thoughts. She will be greatly missed.
Robert Purdy
02/08/2019
I miss going to her office and fixing her computer. We would talk about life in general while I was working on it and I just loved her stories and her wit. What an amazing professor, mother, and friend. The world is a better place because of Trish and her passion for teaching.
Kathy Bailey
02/08/2019
I had the great fortune to work with Trish for several years at Kaplan. What an incredibly gifted and giving person she was. Her heart and door were always open to support colleagues and students alike. She has certainly left a mark here on those of us lucky enough to have known her. I know so many students who attribute their success to Trish. What a legacy she leaves! Sending love and prayers!
Melissa Heikes
02/08/2019
Trish was a wonderful professor and friend. Her wit was uncanny and I cannot tell you how proud she was of her girls. I was able to work with her at Kaplan (now Purdue Global) and taught some of her classes while she was out. Her students were very impressed with her and her knowledge. Just know that so many lives were positively impacted because of Trish. She will be missed.
Brian Craig
02/08/2019
I worked with Trish at Purdue University and Kaplan. I enjoyed my interactions with her. She was always very professional and respectful. She will be missed. She made a huge impact on the lives of her students and colleagues.