Donna Jean Mertz

Donna Jean Mertz  1929-2021

Donna Jean Mertz, 92, was called to her heavenly home on Monday, November 29, 2021.

She was born to the late Bobbs and Edna Baker in Detroit, Michigan in 1929. She was married to her late husband, Kenneth Mertz, for more than 70 years at the time of his passing in 2018.

She was deeply loved by her children: Kenneth (Ann) Mertz, Karen (Paul) Schneider, Deborah (the late Daniel) Shumaker, Laura (Mike) Pokas, and Carol Refenes. Donna’s grandchildren brought much joy to her life: Kenneth (Kristine) Schneider, Kevin (Kim) Schneider, Kimberly (Karl) Walser, Jennifer (Mark) Catron, Kelly (Jim) Bauer, Lindsay (Brett) Kovarik, Katherine (Tyler) Wolfe, Michael (Gina) Pokas, Sara Pokas and 14 great grandchildren. She will be missed by her sister Arlene (Bill) Mertz. 

She was raised in Detroit on Bewick, moved to Maddelein near 7 Mile and Gratiot when she married. She and Ken moved to Eastpointe in 1983, then to Harrison Township in 1986 where she resided until her passing. The two spent their winters in Mulberry, Florida for nearly 30 years.

Donna was baptized at Concordia Lutheran in Detroit. She was a lifelong member of St. Thomas Lutheran in Eastpointe where she served in the Ladies Aid and sang in the choir. She was also very active at Lutheran High East from 1968 to 1980 during her kids' school years.

She was a faithful servant and passed her love of God to all of her children. She loved to be with family and cherished the lifelong friendships that she made. She enjoyed making her house a home, church, golf, happy hours with friends and so much more.  She was always the first to arrive and the last to leave every gathering.

She will remain in our hearts and minds through the love she gave, the memories she created for us, her warmth and most definitely her smile!

Donna was able to live out her last years in her home with her daughter, Carol, who was her constant companion and caregiver.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the team at Hospice of Michigan for the love and care they showed Donna.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Daniel Shumaker MD Memorial Endowed Scholarship. (Dan was Donna’s much-loved son-in-law). This is an annual scholarship awarded to a medical student seeking a career in physician wellness.

MSU College of Human Medicine
Secchia Center-Advancement c/o Susie Ziegler
15 Michigan NE Suite 450
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Please place “Shumaker Endowed Scholarship Fund” or “Allocation Code AR000325” on the memo line if writing a check.  Envelopes will be provided. 

Your prayers, condolences and memories are gladly accepted Saturday, December 11, 2021 at Lee Ellena Funeral home in Macomb Township. Visitation begins at 10:00am and the service will be held at 12:00pm.  Lee Ellena follows CDC guidelines regarding COVID. Masks are recommended for all indoor gatherings. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna Jean Mertz, please visit our floral store.