Emma E. Mertz

Emma E. Mertz, 105, of Zanesville, died at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, January 3, 2008 at the Helen Purcell Home. She was born May 22, 1902, in Gas City, Indiana, a daughter of the late Harry and Mary Ball Blackburn. Emma retired in 1971 after 27 years of service with the Muskingum County Auditor's Office. She was a member of St. James Episcopal Church and the St. Hilda's Guild, Bethesda League and was a past member of Eastern Star Chapter #485. Surviving are a daughter, Marylin Lane of Nashport; a son, Charles E. (Barbara) Mertz of Wooster, Ohio; four grandchildren, Dan (Michelle) Lane of Nashport, Douglas (Libby) Lane of Red Lodge, Montana, Becky Flowers of Phoenix City, Alabama and Laurie Comans of Orlando, Florida; nine great grandchildren, Julie Lane, Wesley Lane, Ryan Lane, Crystal (Richard) Blackwell, Tricia Flowers, Tracy Flowers, Tyler Comans, Brooke Comans and Matthew Comans and three great-great grandchildren, Makayla Flowers, Kearston Blackwell and Austin Blackwell. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Ted Mertz, who died in 1957; two sisters, Frances Walker and Edrie Blackburn; a brother, Sidney Blackburn and a son-in-law, Ronald Lane. Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, January 6, 2008 at the Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home, 1271 Blue Ave., Zanesville and one hour prior to services. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 7, 2008 at the funeral home with Rev. Kathryn Clausen officiating. Burial will follow at Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice or to the Helen Purcell Home Activity Fund, 1854 Norwood Boulevard, Zanesville, Ohio, 43701.