Marie Mertes

Ransom - Marie A. Mertes, 96, loving sister, aunt and friend, died on February 19, 2015 at her home surrounded by her family.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00pm, Saturday, February 28th at St. Patrick’s Church, Ransom with Father Art Ryan officiating.  Visitation will be from 10-noon prior to the funeral at the Church.  Cremation rites will follow the Mass. Burial will be at a later date in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Loretto.  Hagi Funeral Home (Streator) is in charge of arrangements.  Memorials may be made to the Ransom Grade School Library Fund at 400 South Lane St., Ransom, Illinois 60470.

Marie was born August 25, 1918 in Odell, Illinois, the eldest daughter of William and Elizabeth (Eich) Mertes and attended Pond Grade School in rural Dwight and St. Raphael’s grammar school.  She was a 1936 graduate of Calumet High School in Chicago, where among her proudest accomplishments was being crowned Spelling Bee Champion in 1933.  She was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Ransom and a founding member of the Livingston County War Museum in Pontiac, Illinois.

Employed as a secretary for over 55 years, Marie worked for Spiegel Catalog, in the office of her brother, Dr. Ervin Mertes, and for Walsh Construction.  She also spent 34 years in the employ of Swift and Company, Chicago, where she made many life-long friends.

Marie is survived by one brother, Wilfred (Irene) Mertes, Ransom, Illinois.  She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, including her everyday visitor and devoted nephew, David Estes of Pontiac.  She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters (Betty Estes and Florence Myers) and five brothers (Matthias, Kenneth, Victor, Donald and Dr. Ervin Mertes).

Marie lived a simple life, guided by a deep dedication to her faith, family and friends.  She loved reading and, in addition to being a Catechism teacher at St. Pat’s in Ransom, was a volunteer reader at Ransom Grade School.  Marie enjoyed playing Euchre and participated in tournaments and card games with friends, where she was equally competitive.  She enjoyed crossword puzzles, trivia games, Wheel of Fortune and also discussing family genealogy.  However, her greatest joy was hosting large gatherings for holidays and other events.  She never fully understood the profound impact that she had on the entirety of her family, but “Aunt Burrda” undoubtedly was our best teacher and beloved matriarch.  She will be greatly missed.