Shirley Kaye Mertz

Shirley Kaye Mertz of Clinton, MO died early Saturday morning, March 7, 2026 at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born May 27, 1955 in Windsor, MO the daughter of James Gordon Mills and Betty Frances (Burns) Mills. On May 14, 1976 she married Richard Dean Mertz in Leesville, MO. Shirley was a 1973 graduate of Calhoun High School. Shirley briefly worked at International Shoe Factory in Windsor Mo as well as the Henry County Courthouse in Clinton MO. When Rick and Shirley started their family, she was able to become a homemaker and her joy was raising her children. Shirley was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. She enjoyed family vacations and traveling with Rick after her children were grown. They had many great adventures together. She loved all animals, having a passion for dogs, raising and taking care of many pets throughout the years.

 Survivors include her husband, Rick; daughter Vicki Jolene (John) Soorus, Windsor, MO and Richard Jeremy Mertz, Clinton, MO; 2 grandsons, Gunner Barker, Windsor, MO and Cameron Mertz, Clinton, MO; 2 brothers, Kenny (Diane) Mills, Calhoun, MO and Michael (Kim) Mills, Clinton, MO; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial services will be Saturday, March 14 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Clinton, MO. The family will receive friends Saturday before the service from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall.