Vernell Mertz

Vernell Schilling Mertz was born on June 25, 1927 in Windedale, TX to Adolph and Olga Makowski Schilling. She was baptized on October 9, 1927 and confirmed on October 19, 1941 by Pastor Carl Ziehe at Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Greenvine where she continued as a life-long member. She attended Boundary and Greenvine schools. On November 16, 1947 she was united in marriage for 62 years to Willie E. Mertz.

Vernell was a very hard-working and extremely caring person. She enjoyed gardening, canning fruits and vegetables, and cooking jelly for her family and friends. She also enjoyed dancing, listening to polka music, traveling, and piecing together quilts for the children. Most of all she enjoyed attending family gatherings and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her community, she was a member of WELCA and the Latium-Greenvine-Welsey Fire Department Auxiliary.

She is “Momma” to Dale Mertz with wife Penny. She is “Memaw” to Cristi Nelson with husband Billy, Ashlea Herrmann with partner Jeremy Franks, and Nicholas Banker with wife Jackie. Great-grandchildren are Leah, Raney, Brooklyn, Remi, Layla, and Madeline. Vernell is also survived by her sister-in-law Dorothy Schilling, many nieces and nephews, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, parents, in-laws Wilhelm J and Florence Edith Williams Mertz, daughters Carol Leitzel and Darlene (Dottie) Herrmann, son-in-law Gene Herrmann; brothers Delphine, LeeRoy, and Melvin; sisters-in-law Gladys Schilling, Nevilee Schilling, and Pauline Schilling, Lenora Worthy, Emma Naegeli, Evelyn Ullrich, and Hilda Schulz, and brothers-in-law Willie Worthy, Walter Naegeli, Harry Ullrich, and Wilfred Schulz.

Pallbearers are Alan Naegeli, David Mertz, John Welch, Weldon Hartman, Steve Weyer, & Glen Schilling. Honorary pallbearers are all her wonderful neighbors and friends. The family would like to say thank you to High Hope Care Center for your wonderful care and love of Vernell for the last 10+ years.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Greenvine, 6700 Wickel Rd., Burton. The funeral service will be held immediately following at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church cemetery fund, American Diabetes Assoc., Bosom Buddies breast cancer support group, or a charity of your choice.