Elizabeth "Sue" Susan Merk

Elizabeth Susan “Sue” Merk was born on December 15, 1952, to Lawrence and Margaret Merk at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Pasco, WA. She attended St. Patrick's Catholic School and graduated from Pasco Senior High School in 1971. She furthered her education at Washington State University, graduating from the College of Pharmacy in 1976.

Sue practiced pharmacy at Jack Black Pharmacy in Moses Lake, Valley General Hospital, and Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, WA. She went on to become Vice President of Group Health Northwest in Spokane. Sue moved to Bellevue when she accepted a position with Pointshare and later Siemens. She retired as Executive Vice President of OneHealthPort in January 2019. She was a champion of science, technology, engineering, and math before STEM was a thing. She especially loved mentoring those just starting their careers. Sue was understandably proud of her pharmacy career and maintained her license for 48 and a half years. She was looking to earn her 50-year badge from the Washington State Pharmacy Association (WSPA) and always enjoyed attending conventions. While she was just shy of her half-century license holder goal, she was recognized throughout her career for many achievements, including:

· David Almquist Award from WSPA (Washington State Pharmacy Association), 2009

· Fellow of WSPA – both for her outstanding service to WSPA and leadership, 2009

· WSSHP (Washington State Society of Health System Pharmacists) Pharmacist of the Year, 1986

· WSSHP Leadership Award, 1988 & 1993

· First Female President of WSSHP, 1992-1993

· WSU Preceptor of the Year Award, 1991

In retirement, Sue faced a handful of health issues along with the travel closures brought by COVID. She adjusted to the slower pace of life and selecting her own schedule where she was able to read often, write lovely letters, craft greeting cards with her sisters, and act as a trustee of the homeowner's association, holding the position of Secretary/Treasurer. She prided herself on being active with the WSU pharmacy alumni association.

Sue loved her family, her friends, and cherished quiet time to herself. Her generosity was beyond measure. She enjoyed being at her cabin and was always working on projects to improve the space. She welcomed sharing the cabin and hosted countless family gatherings, creating a true family focal point and center of many core memories. If you visited, you would most likely be met with an invitation to play a card game and hear Jimmy Buffett playing in the background.

Sue was diagnosed with tongue cancer in the spring of 2024. She underwent radical surgery, 30 sessions of radiation, and 7 sessions of chemotherapy. She had multiple complications along the way, and in the end, it was just too much for her body to fight on so many fronts. Sue passed away on August 23, 2024, at Capital Medical Center, surrounded by family who were able to be there in person and in the hearts and prayers of those not able to make it.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her eight siblings: Peggy Jo Merk, Larry Merk (wife Nita), Maryanne Sisk (husband John), John Merk (wife Nora), Bill Merk (wife Peggy), Bob Merk (wife Sally), Patty Kilmer (husband Dan), and Barb Merk. She is also survived by 15 nieces and nephews and 30 great-nieces and great-nephews.

The company of family and friends would be greatly appreciated at the following services for Sue. Guests are encouraged to don their favorite WSU Cougar gear, cabin attire, or come in whatever makes them feel comfortable.

Vigil and Rosary 7 p.m. Friday, September 27 St. John The Baptist Catholic Church

303 W 2nd St, Cle Elum, WA 98922

Funeral Service - Catholic Requiem Mass 11 a.m. Saturday, September 28 Cle Elum Senior Center 719 E 3rd St., Cle Elum, WA Reception to follow

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any of Sue's favorite charities, including Boys Town of America (https://www.boystown.org) or WSU College of Pharmacy (https://foundation.wsu.edu/give/). Go Cougs!