Verna Dolores Mertz, 74, of rural Bellflower, Missouri, formerly of St. Louis, Missouri, died on Monday, July 25, 2016, at her home surrounded by her family.

Dolores was born December 31, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Norris Lynn Spradlin and Verna Mae Pinkston Spradlin. She married George E. Mertz on October 22, 1960. After graduating from St. Louis Jewish Hospital School of Nursing, she devoted her career to long term care at Manor Grove in Kirkwood, Missouri, for twenty-five years as an RN/Nursing Home Administrator. She and George retired to a small family farm in Montgomery County, Missouri. Passionate about animals, Dolores volunteered many hours at local pet pantries and no-kill shelters, dog agility tournaments, and pet adoption events. She also coached students preparing for their high school equivalency exams.

Dolores is survived by her husband; two children: Kimberly Morrison and husband, Darren, of Greenfield Missouri; Kristin Nesser and husband, Kelly, of St. Charles, Missouri; five grandchildren: Meredith Morrison, Gabriel Morrison, Cole Nesser and wife, Hannah; Caden Nesser, and Connor Nesser; and one great-grandchild, Kylee Nesser. As an only child, she cherished her dear friends as siblings.

Dolores was preceded in death by her parents; and one granddaughter, Faith Nesser.

Private services will take place at the Mertz Family Cemetery in rural Bellflower, Missouri. The Reverend Luke Wolters will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Friends of Kids with Cancer (friendsofkids.org) or a no-kill animal shelter of your choice; in c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO 63361.