LaVerne Mertens

​LaVerne Mertens, 92, joined the Lord on Easter Sunday, April 1. Born March 23, 1926 to parents John and Mary Hatmacher in Cleveland, OH, LaVerne had a full and wonderful life. Her genuine smile, passion for life and twinkling brown eyes brought joy to every life she touched. She worked as a secretary for Metal Forge/General Signal for 42 years, retiring in 1996. In addition, she was an active and enthusiastic member of Westhill Church of Christ, where she served as treasurer for many years, taught Sunday school, and played the organ until the Sunday before her passing. Nothing brought her more joy than helping someone in need – from baking and delivering fresh lemon poppy seed bread to the elderly at Christmastime to crocheting baby afghans for newborns. Her strong faith, generosity and humbleness earned her a place in our hearts and now in Heaven. LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Dick and Lee Hatmacher, sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Robert Kemper, daughter-in-law Dianne Mertens, and the love of her life and husband of 54 years, John. Left to miss her dearly are stepson Terry, Newark; son Michael (Sharon) Mead, Columbus; daughter Rebecca (Michael) Lusk, Hilliard; daughter Susan (Robert) Kuligowski, Columbus; and grandchildren Teddy Mertens, Kimberly (Tom) Mentz; Jean (Ernie) Scott, Michelle Mead, Charlene (Melissa) Mead, Jennifer Huhn, Mindy Jo (Darby) Acton, David Fox, Rachel (Mark) Stine, Kaitlin Lusk, Ty Waite, Stefanie (Derick) Ridgeway, Zachary (Kirsten) Stofle, Jerome (Marlene) Young, Tina Young (Dustin Mitschele); 25 great grandchildren; and 3 great, great grandchildren.

Friends may call Thursday, April 5, 2018 beginning at 10:30 a.m. at GRAUMLICH FUNERAL HOME, 1351 S. High St., Columbus, where a celebration of LaVerne’s life will be held at 12 noon, Pastor Rick Baumberger officiating.with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. To sign and view LaVerne’s online guest book please visit www.graumlichfuneralhome.com