Esther Mertz

Esther Marie Mertz, 101, of Decatur, IL, passed away at 3:00 PM Thursday, March 15, 2012, at Imboden Creek Living Center, Decatur. Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, March 20, at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, IL, with funeral procession leaving Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes, Decatur, at 9:45 AM Tuesday. Memorials may be made to Central Christian Church Music Department. Esther was born April 24, 1910, in Springfield, IL, the daughter of Charles and Nona Tunis (Doyle) Mogle. She married John Andrew Mertz (from Varoslod, Hungary), on October 29, 1938, in Springfield. He preceded her in death in1993. Esther was a homemaker all her life, and spent most of her time caring for her relatives in their time of need. She also loved animals and birds, and she raised and sold several breeds of dogs and birds during her early life, including Toy Manchesters, Pugs, Chihuahuas, Canaries, and Parakeets. She was a member of Sangamo Club, and the Harvard Parks Dad's Club. Surviving are her son: Charles J. (Dr. Georgia Davis) Mertz of Springfield, IL, and daughter: Marilyn Mertz of Decatur, IL, and several nieces and nephew. Esther was preceded in death by her parents, husband John, and three brothers. Much appreciation is given to Linda Jacobs and Yvonne Purcell, care givers for 2 years, and to all the care givers at Imboden Creek Living Center, who helped make Esther's final days on earth as pleasant as possible. "
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