Leah Michelle Mertens

Leah Michelle Mertens, age 47, of Russellville, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 21, 2025, after a courageous and lengthy battle with breast cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Born on December 24, 1977, Leah was the cherished daughter of Webster "Teddy" (deceased) and Janet (Mueller) Ortbals. She graduated from Russellville High School in 1996 and went on to earn her nursing degree from Nichols Career Center. Her compassion and dedication to helping others led her to a fulfilling career in nursing, where she served at Fulton State Hospital, Community Health Center of Central Missouri, Stonebridge Nursing Home in Westphalia, and finally, as a school nurse at her alma mater, Russellville High School.
On December 10, 2022, Leah married the love of her life, Charles Mertens. Together they built a loving home filled with laughter, strength, and unwavering support.
Leah was deeply creative and had a gift for crafting. She created beautiful needlepoints, rosaries, necklaces, and even intricate Native American-style headdresses using safety pins (Russellville school mascot). She generously gave her time and talents, stepping up as the cheerleading coach at Russellville High School when no one else was available and supporting her children's activities with boundless enthusiasm.
A fierce believer in God, Leah lived her life with selflessness, quick wit, and a deep love for her family-especially her children. She cherished every moment spent with her daughters and the special trips she took with her best friends. Leah was very family oriented and enjoyed every moment with them all, especially time spent with her brothers.
Leah is survived by her devoted mother, Janet Ortbals; her husband, Charles Mertens; her children, Madisen Boyer, Zeke Mertens, and Jocie Mertens; her brother, Andrew Ortbals; her paternal grandmother, Shirley Ortbals; bonus daughter, Bridgette Ruppel (Justin); mother-in-law, Louann; father-in-law, Carl; brother-in-law, Ryan.
She was preceded in death by her father, Webster "Teddy" Ortbals; her brother, Josh Ortbals; and her cousins, Danielle Howard and Adam Ortbals; life-long friend, Amy Call, along with many aunts, uncles, and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed toward the continued education of Leah's children, c/o Charles Mertens or The Red Slipper Warrior Project.
Friends and family will be received on Wednesday, June 25, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00p.m. at the Russellville Elementary School Gymnasium. Funeral Services will be Thursday, June 26 at 10:00 a.m at the Russellville Elementary School Gymnasium with Pastor Ed Merckel officiating. Burial will follow at Enloe Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of WEBER-MILLARD Funeral Home, 13415 Route C, Russellville, Missouri 65074, (573) 782-3525. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.