Barbara Ann Mertz

Barbara Ann Mertz of Sandy Lake passed away peacefully on Friday, October 21st surrounded by family. She was 90 years old.

Barbara was born on January 14, 1932, to the late Helen Greenlee Clayton and Charles Clayton of Sandy Lake. She was a 1949 graduate of Sandy Lake High School.

She married Carson Mertz Jr. on December 5, 1953. The couple lived briefly in Long Island, NY, before settling permanently back in Sandy Lake.

Barbara worked for the Mercer County State Bank for several years before joining the Sandy Lake Post Office in 1970. She became the Postmaster of Sandy Lake in 1978, and remained there until she retired in 1994. She was a lifelong member of the Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church.

Barbara loved reading, the ocean, and attending the Great Stoneboro Fair where she won prizes for her fudge; she enjoyed baking, cooking, traveling, and painting. She liked going to the casino, visiting with friends and family, and time with her late dog, Charlie. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, including the love of her life, Carson, to whom she was married nearly 69 years, and her grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved son, Steven; her parents; and her sister, Phyllis. She is survived by her husband;Carson, her daughter, Julianne (Graham, NC), her daughter-in-law, Denise Mertz (Sandy Lake, PA), six grandchildren, nieces, and a nephew..

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at 3:30 on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022, at the Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church.