Ethel A. Mertz

Ethel Ann (Julian) Mertz, age 87, passed away peacefully in her home at the Brook of Gaylord on October 16, 2025, surrounded by family. Ethel was born on November 14, 1937, and raised near 9 Mile Road and Hilton in Ferndale, Michigan. She graduated from Hazel Park High School in 1956 and became a licensed practical nurse, a career which she pursued for many years while raising her children. After raising her family, she went back to school and earned her bachelor’s degree from Madonna University and a master’s in social work from Wayne State University. She went on to have a second career working for Head Start, helping children in impoverished areas.

Whether it was in her career or her home, Ethel spent her life caring for others. She had a soft spot for children and along with dedicating her later career to helping them live more healthy lives, she donated frequently to St. Jude. She had many hobbies and loved cooking, baking, canning, and quilting. She loved to travel, as long as it was by car or train as she did not like flying. Besides her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, her biggest love was Elvis, and she enjoyed collecting and displaying her Elvis memorabilia. She had a strong faith in God, and her bible is full of her handwritten notes, thoughts, devotions, and favorite verses. She always had a kind word and a smile for everyone she met, and she will be remembered lovingly by friends, family, and all who knew her.

Ethel was predeceased by her parents, Ernest R. and Ann (Kucer) Julian and her son Douglas Mertz.

She is survived by daughters Pamela Dorton, Mary Leininger (Scott), and Suzanne Zoellner, and son George Julian Mertz (Amy); grandchildren Jaqueline Zoellner, Charles Dorton, Jonathon Dorton, David Zoellner, Brandon Balluff, Frances Ellis (Mickey), Michael Zoellner (Kat), Zachary Zoellner, Caroline Mertz, and George Jacob Mertz; and one great-grandchild Juliet Ellis.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 AM Friday, October 24, 2025, at St. Mary Cathedral, where the family will visit with friends beginning at 10:00 AM.

Burial will take place 1:00 PM Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Ridgelawn Memorial Cemetery in Oxford, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital:https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on her guestbook at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com