Gladys Elizabeth Mertens

Gladys Elizabeth Mertens, 94, of California, Mo., passed away on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at Adams Street Place in Jefferson City, Mo. She was born on July 3, 1923 in Jefferson City, Mo., the daughter of Robert and Anna Marie (Toebben) Guyer, who preceded her in death. She attended Park School and St. Peter School. She was married on November 20, 1940 at St. Peter's Church to Everett (Evy) August Mertens, who preceded her in death on October 25, 1972. She was a member of Annunciation Catholic Church and the Ladies Sodality. Gladys was a nurses aide at Convlacare in California, Mo. for 10 years. She was a very giving person and had an elderly aunt and two nephews she cared for. She babysat for neighbors, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed vacationing with her husband, in-laws and her children. Gladys was a resident of rural California since 1954. She is survived by three sons: James Mertens and Everett Mertens, both of California, Mo., and Robert Mertens of Tipton, Mo.; four daughters, Patricia Porter and her husband Mitch, Jane Bishop and her husband Raymond Estel, both of California, Mo., Dorothy Braun and her husband Louis of Osage Bend, Mo., and Elizabeth (Betty) Elliott and her husband Eddie of Clarksburg, Mo.; 21 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great-grandchildren, two step-great-grandchildren, and two step-great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation from 10-11:00 a.m. before Mass. Officiating will be the Father Toni Rinaldo. Burial will be at the Annunciation Catholic Cemetery in California, Mo. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Annunciation Catholic Church, c/o the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, California, Mo.