Barbara A. (Wagner) Merkel, 84, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. She was the wife of the late Larry H. Merkel. Born in Reading, she was the daughter of the late Anton and Mildred (Thress) Wagner. Barbara graduated from Exeter High School. She was a secretary and CNA for 26 years at the Reading Hospital.

Barbara is survived by two daughters, Cinda Barth, wife of David, and Vickie Miller, wife of Cory, grandchildren Morgan, Chad, Cole and Ryan, great-grandchildren Dempsey, Ryder, Declan, Sophia, Evelyn, and Edith, and her sister, Dorthea Fry. She was preceded in death by her brother Joseph.

Visitation with family and friends will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am with services beginning at 10:00 am at Lutz Funeral Home, Inc., 2100 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading, PA 19606. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League at Ways to Give - Animal Rescue League of Berks County or to the American Cancer Society at American Cancer Society/donate">http://American Cancer Society/donate. Lutz Funeral Home, Inc., has been entrusted with arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.LutzFuneralHome.com