Betty Mertens

Betty J. "GG" Mertens, 84, of East Ridge, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 26, 2011, at a local health care center.Mrs. Mertens was born in Waterloo, N.Y. and raised in Waterloo, N.Y. She lived in the Chattanooga area for 43 years. She was able to be an at home mom and wife and was a member of Ooltewah United Methodist Church.Survivors include her children, Marla (Alvin) Petty, of Ooltewah, Randa Mertens of East Ridge, Dean (Rita) Mertens, of Trenton, Ga.; grandchildren, Douglas Petty, of East Brainerd, Jason Petty, of East Ridge, Joshua (Vanessa) Petty, of Gray, Tenn., and Jamie Mertens, of Jacksonville, Fla.; step-grandchildren, Chad Ballew and Clayton (Rachel) Ballew of Trenton, Ga.; great-grandchildren, Bailey, Addyson, Ashlyn and Robin; stepgreat-grandchildren, Blake and Morgan; brother, William House, of North Charleston, S.C.; sisters, Ruth (Jim) Koopman, Barbara (Gordon) Trickler, all of Waterloo, N.Y.; and sisters-in-law. Reene House. of Waterloo, and Dot Clayton. of Seneca Falls, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ooltewah United Methodist Church, 6131 Relocation Way, Ooltewah, TN 37363, or to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416.The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the entire staff of Standifer Place Nursing Home.There will be no visitation. Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. today, Aug. 30 at Chattanooga National Cemetery with Rev. Amy S. Nutt officiatingPlease share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel in charge of arrangements.