Patricia J "Patty" Merkle

Patricia Jane “Patty” Merkle, 83, of Port Huron, died Saturday, January 21, 2023.

She was born May 10, 1939 in St. Clair to the late Albert and Patricia Foster.

Patty was employed with AT&T and Michigan Bell for over 20 years. She was very active in the Communications Workers of America Union (CWA) and past president of the St. Clair County Labor Council. In 1976, she became the first woman to be elected St. Clair County Commissioner. She was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ. She was an avid fan and season ticket-holder of the Port Huron Prowlers and enjoyed talking on the phone and spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by her son, Kenneth J. (JoAnn) Lewis; three grandchildren, Jessica Lewis, Lindsie (Brian) McDougal and Robert (Josie) Lewis; and six great grandchildren, Natalie, Charlotte, Maverick, Henrick, Peyton and Layla. She was preceded in death by her son, Steven Robert Lewis.

Graveside services will be held at the Hillside Cemetery Columbarium, St. Clair in the spring.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Blue Water Area Humane Society.

Arrangements are by Pollock-Randall Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit pollockrandall.com