Valarie Marion Mertz

Valerie Marion Mertz, age 97, passed away peacefully in her sleep, from natural causes, at home on April 20, 2017. Her daughter, Valerie and son-in-law, Steven were with her. Valerie married WW11 Veteran, Martin Mertz in 1946 after he returned from the Pacific. He preceded her in death by 10 years. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will always be loved and cherished by her two daughters and son-in-law’s: Valerie and Steven Barnard of Fairfield, Iowa; Patricia and Charles Prout of Crawfordville, Florida. Also, by her grandchildren: Ilana Kayrouz and husband Ron Kayrouz; Rebekah Cohen-Walsh and husband Sean Walsh; and Cassye Cohen....all of Louisville, Kentucky. And Great-Grandchildren: Tyler Smuskiewicz-21; Emma Smuskiewicz- 17; Asher Blakeman- 2; and Leia Walsh- 10 months. She will always be remembered by her many friends. She lived a very active and fulfilling life, with work and family. After retirement she was fortunate to travel to many different places with her husband Marty, friends and family. Cruising was their favorite mode of travel and together they took about 40 cruises in the years after retirement. They also took some train and bus tours in the U.S and abroad. After her husband Marty passed away, she took many cruises with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Valerie and Marty lived, worked and brought up their children in New Jersey. After retirement they moved to Palm Coast, Florida, where they led an active life, at the VFW, Elks Club, Bowling and Dancing Clubs. Valerie was also a member of the Catholic Church in Palm Coast. She also took care of her own mother till 1991. In 2006, they moved to Crawfordville, Florida where she was an active member of Elizabeth Ann Seton Church and Ladies Guild in Crawfordville. A year later her husband Marty passed away. Valerie who always tried to make the best of any circumstance joined the Wakulla County Senior Center where she was an avid card player, loved attending the special parties they held there and made many good friends. A sincere thanks to all the staff at Big Bend Hospice, Wakulla Branch (Nurses, CNAs, Chaplains, Music Therapists, and Social Workers), for your kind and loving care of Valerie for 3 months! You made her feel loved and cared about and gave us strength. We could not have done it without you! A Memorial Mass celebrating Valerie's life will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at 11:00 AM, at Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 3609 Coastal Hwy, Crawfordville, Florida. A celebration of her life and lunch will be held in the church hall afterwards. All are welcome. Bevis Funeral Home, Harvey Young Chapel in Crawfordville is assisting the family. (850-926-3333 or www.bevisf.)

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Valarie Marion Mertz

April 3, 1920 - April 20, 2017