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- [S5] Obituary.
Melba E. Kearns Wagner Mertz, 88, of Lewistown, passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2017, at her home.
Born Aug. 21, 1928, in Lewistown, she was the daughter of the late Clifton and Mary (Lash) Kearns.
She graduated from Lewistown High School in 1946.
She is survived by her loving husband, Glenn G. Mertz, whom she married in 1991. Children, Barbara Lee Gamache and husband, Dr. Robert Gamache, of Norristown; James Michael Wagner and wife, Jill, of Lewistown; stepson Nelson Mertz and wife, Daphne, of Chambersburg. Grandchildren Lauren M. Ciccarella, of Landsdale; Christopher L. Wagner, of Lewistown; Craig R. Wagner, of Allentown; stepgrandchildren, Stephanie E. Riccardi, of Fairless Hills; Kyle M. Schmidt, of Reedsville; Angela Wageman, of Poulsbo Wash., Janice Besecker and Jason Mertz, of Chambersburg. Great -grandchildren Alexis and Phillip Ciccarella, Brooke and Hailey Wagner, Ally and Colin Riccardi, Liam Schmidt, Jessica Ekonomakis, Lauren Morley, Melanie and Riley Wageman, Ashley Ernst, Kaylee Mertz, Sean and Brandon and Brittini Besecker. Stepgreat-great-grand children Landon, Liam and Levi. Brother Willis Kearns, of Lewistown.
Melba was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert E. Wagner, sister, Betty G. Yeater, great- grandchild, Seth Michael Wagner and stepgrandchild, Niel Edward Mertz.
Melba was an ?Avon Lady? for 33 years, and was also employed by the Lewistown Hospital as a ward clerk for 13 years. Melba served as judge of elections at the Derry Township voting polls for a number of years.
In her younger years, she enjoyed riding motorcycle, of which she owned her own Harley-Davidson and was a member of the Midnight Riders.
Melba loved ballroom dancing and traveling. Melba enjoyed helping to make and sell handcrafted woodworking products with her husband, Glenn, at local craft shows.
Melba loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren and great- great-grandchildren.
She was a member of The Little Valley Presbyterian Church in Vira. She was one of the founding members of the Fairview Chapel where she played piano.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, July 13, 2017, at Barr Funeral Home Inc., 120 Logan St., Lewistown, with Pastor James Park Bricker and Rev. Robert Zorn officiating. Interment will be in Juniata Memorial Park.
There will be a time of visitation with the family from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts made be made to The Little Valley Presbyterian Church, 1322 Vira Road, Lewistown.
Online condolences can be offered to the family at http://www.barrfh.com.
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1928 - 2017 (88 years)
