Betty D. Mertz, 86, a lifelong resident of Defiance, Ohio, joined her beloved husband Bob and her Eternal Father on Thursday, January 13, 2011. She was born April 26, 1924 to Leonard and Leona Killion. Betty was the fourth child of six children; four have preceded her in death; Jed, Bud, David and Madonna. She is survived by her sister Jan of Colorado Springs,Co. Betty, a 1942 Defiance High School graduate, married her high school sweetheart Bob on October 2, 1945. Together they were blessed with five children - Becky (Chuck) McClure of Moreland Hills, Oh; Tim (Krisi) Mertz of Overland Park, Ks; Eric (Nan) Mertz of Defiance, Oh; David (Renee) Mertz of Grand Rapids, Mi.; Mary (Paul) Anderson of Colorado Springs, Co. and seven grandchildren - Katie Mertz, Emily Krieghauser, Dylan Mertz, Shelby Mertz, Blaire Mertz, Aliza Anderson and Shay Anderson. These children and grandchildren gave Betty great comfort and joy. From her early days as a Defiance High School cheerleader, Betty had tremendous spirit. She shared this spirit at St. Mary's Catholic church where she was active on numerous committees and served her church in many ways, including the Altar Society and Eucharistic Ministry. Many Defiance elementary students benefited from Betty's patient and tireless tutoring the past twenty years. Defiance Hospital awarded Betty for serving more than 25 years with a warm and gentle touch. In a world people often think of themselves first, Betty sacrificed her own needs to put others first. She will be sorely missed but will continue to serve as an inspiration for those who knew her. Faith and family were the core values that guided her life. Come help us celebrate Betty's spirit from 4:00 to 7:00 on Friday, January 14, 2011 at Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home. The rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Friday. A mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 15, 2011. Memorial may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church on behalf of Betty. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.defiancefuneralhome.com

Visitation

JAN 14. 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM (EST)

Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home 1753 S. Clinton St. Defiance, OH, 43512

Service

JAN 15. 10:00 AM (EST)

St. Mary's Catholic Church 707 Jefferson Ave. Defiance, OH