Elma D. Merkel of Valley Stream, Bellport and Afton, NY, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2022. Elma was born September 17, 1927, the daughter of Annie (Nafis) Worrall and William S. Worrall. She was predeceased by her parents, four sisters, and her husband, Bert C. Merkel. Elma's motto was "Work with joy, pray with love, dream from your heart, share what you have, love simply, love deeply and thank God always!" She married her childhood sweetheart in 1947, enjoying life together for 64 ½ years. They were blessed with four children: Bob Merkel of Ouaquaga, NY, Bonnie and Glenn Rider of Canada, Tom and Lorraine Merkel of Arizona, and Terri and Carl Niles of Afton, NY. Elma has twenty grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren, plus many nieces and nephews. She is very loved by her family. Elma was a Practical Nurse, working in hospitals, doing home care, and caring for many family members in her own home. Elma's believe in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour, made her strong through her life, and comforted during life's difficulties. Elma believed "absent from the body is present with her Lord." At Elma's request, there will be a celebration of her life at a later date. If you wish, memorial gifts in her name may be directed to the First Baptist Church of Afton, NY.