Kathleen "Kay" A. Mertz

Kathleen “Kay” A. Mertz passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at home with family and friends by her side constantly during her final days.

Kay was born June 29, 1933, in Owosso, Michigan to Nathan J. McCully and Gladys I. (Newcomer) McCully. Kay lived most of her adult life in Saginaw, Michigan with her childhood years spent mainly in Coleman and Midland, Michigan. On March 2, 1967, Kay married the love of her life, Lauren “Larry” Mertz. Together they created a blended family of seven children. After 26 years at Sears Roebuck, Parts and Service Department, the store closed and she went to work for George L. Johnson’s, Stroebel’s and West Side Decorating. Sometimes she worked all three jobs. She finally retired at the age of 89 from West Side Decorating.

Kay loved to sew and do crafts. She volunteered for Covenant Hospital, sewing outfits, blankets and snug sacks for the newborn babies and for the newborns that passed away. Kay had been a faithful member of First United Methodist Church where she had attended since 1971. She sang in the choir for most of those 55 years, volunteered her services, served on many different committees and chaired the memorial committee.

Kay leaves behind six children: Rebecca (Paul) Lentner, Saginaw, Michigan, Calvin (Margaret) Gray, Malkoff, Texas, Rachel (Brian) Bullard, Freeland, Michigan, Nannette (Robert) Lee, Saginaw, Michigan, Donald (Linda) Mertz, Metuchen, New Jersey, and David (April) Mertz, Traverse City, Michigan; two sisters: Doris Hicks, Rockford, Illinois and Norma Kracko, Clio, Michigan; 18 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren with two great grandchildren expected in November or December of 2026; numerous nieces, nephews and many cousins.

Kay was predeceased by her husband, Larry; sister, Virginia “Ginny” McCully; her parents: Nathan and Gladys; one son, Steven Gray and one grandson, Michael Gray.

Kay’s family would like to express a sincere “Thank You” to the Wellspring Hospice Team for the care and support these past eight months. Kay’s journey was made a little easier with their support and compassionate caring staff. The family also would like to express their sincere gratitude for the love and support that the Wellspring Independent Living Team and Residents have given Kay since she moved there in April of 2024. She absolutely loved living there, loved the staff and residents.

In keeping with Kay’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 29, 2026, at Saginaw First United Methodist Church, 4790 Gratiot Rd., Saginaw, MI 48638.  Visitation will be at the church on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Amy Terhune will officiate.  Burial will follow the service in the memorial garden at the church.  

In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider donating to the First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund. Kay was chair of this committee and very passionate about the Leaf Memorial Tree and the Memorial Garden.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd., Saginaw, Michigan 48603. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com