Published on August 13, 2025 5:32 pm
Last Updated on August 13, 2025 6:14 pm
After an eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer Michelle Merkley, of Pottstown, PA, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 8, 2025, with her devoted husband, Charles “Chip” Merkley, and her brother, Scott Milano, by her side. She was 50, and in her final days, as throughout her life, she was surrounded by love.
Michelle was born on July 10, 1975 to Patrick and Connie (Gholson) Milano, and from an early age, she was guided by her deep faith. That faith would shape her into the loving, caring, and fiercely loyal woman so many came to cherish. She dedicated her life to serving others—training, mentoring, and inspiring people to reach their full potential. She took the time to know each person individually, investing in their growth and believing in their worth.
Meticulous and detail-oriented, Michelle approached life with an all-in commitment. Whether at work, at home, or in her hobbies, she never did anything halfway. She earned her master’s degree in speech communication from Eastern Illinois University and was actively working towards a second, Master of Organizational Development and Leadership, from Saint Joseph’s University. She was just one step away from completing her degree, with only the capstone project remaining. Michelle built a successful career in the credit union movement, culminating as Vice President and Director of Learning and Development for TruMark Financial Credit Union. Her professional achievements were matched only by her passion for making meaningful connections with others.
Michelle had an adventurous spirit and loved experiencing new things. She found joy in music—an avid piano player who also taught herself guitar and especially loved to sing. Music became a shared love between her and Chip; from their days performing together in a singing group called Re-Creation in 1998, to impromptu duets at home or during long car rides, their voices and hearts were always in harmony. They were married on December 21, 2002, and from that day forward, they built a life filled with laughter, travel, and unwavering companionship.
Her hobbies reflected her creative and curious nature—crochet, watching movies, building intricate Lego sets, reading, and caring for her beloved cats, Raggedy Andy, Vortex, Rocky, Brownie and Rembrandt. She also loved cruising, exploring beautiful destinations with Chip by her side, each trip adding to the tapestry of memories they shared.
Michelle’s warmth, intelligence, and steadfast devotion touched everyone who knew her. She is predeceased by her parents, Patrick and Connie Milano, and her mother-in-law, Margaret Merkley. She is survived by her husband, Chip; her brother, Scott; her in-laws, Robert and Carol Merkley; sister-in law, Lauren (Benjamin) Powell, two nieces, Georgiana and Gabriela Powell; extended family; and countless friends whose lives are better for having known her.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham, IL. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Effingham. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025 prior to the service at the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
The Celebration of Life will be held at MStar Church in Bechtelsville, PA. (www.mstar.org) Saturday, August 23, 2025. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with the service immediately to follow. Arrangements have been entrusted to Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pennsburg.
Memorials may be made to the Pet Adoption and Lifecare Society (www.palspets.org) or to a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be offered online at www.falkfuneralhomes.com.