Jeanne Mertens, 74, of Miami, OK passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
She was born on Jan 9, 1950, in Joplin, MO to Jim and Lavohn Mertens. She was raised in Seneca, MO, and graduated from Seneca High School in 1967.
She graduated from Barton County Community College with an associate degree in 1985. She served as a nursing administrator for many years and worked at NEO College until she retired. In her leisure time, she enjoyed fishing, playing Nintendo, and spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents Jim and Lavohn Mertens, sister Judy Fields, brother James Russell Mertens, and niece, Tammy Fields.
She is survived by sister and brother-in-law Janie and Richard Hopkins of Coker, AL, brother Johnny Mertens of Joplin, MO, sister Janna Mertens of Gladstone, OR, Sister-in- law Arelene Mertens of Miami, OK and her honorary sisters, Debbie Mertens of Joplin, MO and Lisa Fort of Gladstone, OR.
She considered her nieces and nephews to be like her children. They lovingly referred to her as “Miss America” and share fond memories of fun-filled sleepovers where she often sang and danced to songs such as “The Weenie Man” and ” I Enjoy Being a Girl.” Her home was always a warm retreat that seemed far away from any worries in the world outside. She never missed a birthday and called every year to serenade them with her special birthday song. Her surviving nieces and nephews are Kandy Fields, Doug Fields, Michelle Jacobs, Melissa Hopkins, Frosty Hudson, Beverly Kichler, James Mertens, Jeanne Ellison, Jennifer Roberts, Johnna Boch, Magen Mertens, and a host of great nieces and nephews.
Jeanne was a special person who loved unconditionally and never missed an opportunity to help others without expecting anything in return. She will be missed deeply by her family and anyone lucky enough to have known her.