Jeanne Lynne Mertz of Cherryville, Missouri passed away Thursday, March 8, 2012 at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan at the age of 56 years. She was born February 7, 1956 in Belleville, IL to Jesse "Skeets" Howdeshell and Loretta Gibbs Howdeshell. On October 1, 1977 in St. Louis, MO at the Gateway Temple, she was united in marriage to Fred Mertz who survives of the home.

Jeanne was of the Pentecostal faith. She was a member of the Assembly of God Church in House Springs, MO for over twenty years. In 2010, they moved to the Cherryville area and attended the Center Ridge Pentecostal Church.

She and Fred enjoyed working with crafts and especially at Christmas time. She also enjoyed shopping and watching the Home Shopping Channel which she always told Fred, "it doesn't hurt to look." The History and National Georgraphic channels along with stories about animals were their favorites.

She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband of thirty-four years Fred Mertz of Cherryville, MO; her parents Jesse "Skeets" and Loretta Howdeshell of Bourbon, MO; one brother Stanley Howdeshell and wife Lois of Affton, MO; one sister Pam Leffler and husband Michael of Barnhart, MO; nieces, Kristi Mulder and husband Juston and Kathleen Zanoe; two nephews, Ike and Seth Howdeshell; and great nephew, Garrett ; other relatives and friends.

The Family received friends from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO.

A funeral service was held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 12, 2012 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO with Pastor Harrison Brown officiating. Special music of "If Only You Knew" was sung by Phyllis Gibbs. Other music of "Amazing Grace" and a medley of songs were sung by Bob and Carol Coleman. Shirley Brown accompanied on piano. The eulogy was given by Roger Strange and memories were shared by Stanley Howdeshell.

Committal prayer and interment were in Martin-Trask Cemetery at Cherryville, MO.

Honored to be casket bearers were Tom Gibbs, Clarid Gibbs, Stanley Howdeshell, Roger Strange, Michael Lefller and Justien Mulder.

The Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.