Ruth Olive Mertz
Friday, October 14, 1921
Date of Death:
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Age:
94 years old
Friday, October 14, 1921
Date of Death:
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Age:
94 years old
Friday, October 14, 1921
Date of Death:
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Age:
94 years old
Ruth Olive Mertz
Ruth Mertz – Rochester
Ruth Mertz, 94, a lifelong resident of Rochester died January 6, 2016 at Samaritan Bethany where she resided.
Ruth Olive Koebke was born October 14, 1921 in Rochester to Louis and Olive (Pyburn) Koebke. On December 25, 1941 she married Melvin “Baldy” Mertz at St. Francis Catholic Church. Mr. Mertz was a retired police detective who passed away in 1999.
Ruth was a homemaker and also worked as a clerk for the Mary Malone License Bureau. Along with her five sisters, she bowled in a number of national championships. She especially enjoyed following the Minnesota Vikings and Twins.
Two sons survive, Michael Mertz of Hayden, ID and Dennis (Kathy) Mertz of Lake Geneva, WI. In addition, six grandchildren survive, Michelle Mertz, Michael (Christine) Mertz, Christopher (Sonja) Mertz, Patrick (Jackie) Mertz, Jim (Julia) Mertz and Brittany (Joe) Seidl. Three great-grandchildren also survive, Ryan, Cameron and Calvin (Oscar ) as well as two brothers, Robert “Bob” (Jean) Koebke of Rochester and Brent (Lois) Kruger of Georgetown, CO.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Baldy and five sisters, Florence (Chuck) Dornack, Evelyn (Truman) Jorgenson, Mina (Eldy) Johnson, Edith (Kenneth) Nelson and Barbara Hayft.
A visitation is scheduled Monday, January 11th from 5:00PM to 7:00PM in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Burial will be in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Samaritan Bethany’s new bus fund. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of Ruth Olive Mertz has received the following condolences.
Mike & Dennis,
We are so sorry to hear of your mothers passing, she was a great person she will be missed by many. Sorry we will not be there as we are out of town.
Bill & Kay Pompeii
I'm so sorry to hear about Ruth. I have so many cherished memories of her and Baldy, growing up they were like grandparents to my brother and I. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I am very sorry to hear about Ruth's death. I am the Life Enrichment Mentor at Samaritan Bethany and do many music programs throughout the week in each of the neighborhoods. Ruth always loved coming to sing with me and listen to the piano. She was a sweet, sweet lady who I really enjoyed visiting with. She always told it like it was and had a wonderful wit! I have been on vacation this week and was not able to say good-bye to her. I will miss her a great deal, as will other staff members and residents in her house. My deepest sympathies to her entire family.
Mertz Family Members,
We are saddened to see that Aunt Ruth passed away on Monday. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. We all have many fond memories of Ruth. We visited her many times over the years and while she was at Samaritan. It was fun to visit with Ruth and talk about the past. She was always eager to learn about other family members. She was a special lady and we will miss her dearly. You have our deepest Sympathy.
Jim & Barb Aarhus
Hayfield, MN