JoAnn Marie Mertz

JoAnn Marie Mertz, age 80, of Westphalia, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
JoAnn was born in Westphalia, Missouri, the daughter of the late Clem and Bernadine (Scheppers) Eichholz. She was a 1963 graduate of Fatima High School. On May 25, 1963, she was united in marriage to Ronald Mertz at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Westphalia, and together they shared many years of love and devotion.
JoAnn worked for over thirty years as a swab operator at Unilever. In addition to her career there, she also spent time babysitting and waitressing, always known for her strong work ethic and caring nature.
She found joy in the simple pleasures of life-coloring pictures, watching hummingbirds, bowling, visiting the casino, playing cards, putting together puzzles, and spending winters "snow birding" in Texas. Above all, JoAnn treasured time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who truly made her light up.
She is survived by her loving husband, Ron Mertz; her son, Keith Mertz (Anita); her brothers, Eddie Eichholz (Vernie) and Norman Eichholz (Alice); and her grandchildren: Katrina Burke (Derick), Amanda Stice (Craig), Bryant Mertz, Toni Sneller (Dustin), Taylor Doke (Mikael), Miranda Mertz, Nikolay Mertz, Haley Mertz, and 16 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her siblings, Betty Lepper, Charlie Eichholz, Marilyn Linnenbrink, Jerry Eichholz, Ron Eichholz, Bobby Eichholz, Stanley Eichholz, and Judy Eichholz; and by her children, Lois Mertz, Doug Mertz, and Russell Mertz.
Friends and family will be received on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Westphalia, with a Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. Dylan Schrader. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Arrangements are under the direction of HILKE-MILLARD Funeral Home, 101 Linn Street; Westphalia, MO 65085. (573) 455-2424. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com