June 30, 2022
Today has been especially hard emotionally. It’s been 11 weeks since we said our goodbyes and you peacefully slipped from earth into the Presence of Jesus. 2 months ago we had your “going home” memorial/life celebration. Natalie and I had a chance today to share some memories and talk about how brave you were for the last 4 years. We shed many tears as we shared our grief and it’s so hard to accept you’re gone. It feels like we can’t go on without you, but we know we must carry on your love and memories to others. I hold you close to my heart and try to focus on the wonderful life I had as your daughter and beautiful mother you are/were. Your grandchildren have tons of great memories and stories to share with your great grandchildren. We carry you in our hearts. I miss you every day and will continue to until we meet again. 

We’re taking care of dad (grandpa) and he seems to be holding up ok. You know how he keeps feelings to home self. But, he’s got Peewee and she’s good company for him. I know he misses you terribly. We’ll make sure he’s ok until he can be reunited with you in Heaven. 

I love you mommy and miss you so much. 💜 I know you’re at peace and not suffering any more. 

May 16, 2022
It still doesn’t seem real that you’re not here on this earth with us. I catch myself wanting to send you a quick text or give you a call to ask you about something. The reality then comes back to me. Seems like everything around me reminds me of losing you & I remind myself what a true blessing it was to be by your side & let you leave us & enter into the presence of Jesus. Your biggest concern was to make sure dad (aka Grandpa) would be taken care of & that we’d all be ok. You always put others first; never complained; & looked out for all of us. I recently told you that you’re the greatest mom in the world & I meant it. Your great-grandchildren  will have wonderful memories of you & we all carry you in our heart all the time. I selfishly want you here but remind myself that you put up a great fight for 4+ years which was very hard on you & you now have the fullness of love & joy that we are promised by Our Lord. I love you & miss you so very much. We’re taking good care of dad until it’s his time to go Home to be reunited with you . ♥️💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

May 12, 2022
These last 4 weeks feel like decades yet feel like only yesterday all at once. I guess that’s what grief is when losing my mom. I can’t imagine a day more without you, but feel assured we will be reunited in Heaven. The phrase “time heals all wounds” has some truth to it. I don’t believe it heals our wounds, but it helps us as we learn to live without you. I miss our daily texts and you checking on me while I in turn was checking on you and dad. I kept all those texts and have spent some time reading our messages to each other. The closest thing I have to you right now. I miss you mommy. You were the best mom in the world and I am glad I was able to tell you that. I’m not sure how it works in Heaven, but we need you to watch over us until our family can be together again. 💜

April 21, 2022
[deep sigh] It’s been a week since we lost my mom (Anna). It feels like a lifetime in one short week. So many memories as we sort through personal paperwork, pictures, belongings, etc. At moments I feel like I can’t do this and then I remind myself that she is at peace with Our Lord and I will see her again. I’m reminded of her strength and positive outlook in life. Always ready with a smile. My heart hurts, but her love remains there. 

April 28, 2022
These 2 weeks have felt like a lifetime yet seems like only yesterday when we said our goodbyes. Not a day has gone by without thinking of you and missing your daily texts or phone calls. My life has changed forever and will never be the same without you here. Missing you until the day we are reunited in Heaven. 😥 💜

April 30, 2022
An exhausting and emotional day as we we sent our mom to her final rest. A beautiful service thoughtfully and lovingly led by cousin Rev. Jim & Sheryl Elder. Rev. Jim shared his own memories of Aunt Anna in addition to the hundreds of words that described her and how our mom and dad met. Encouraging scripture and prayers that were chosen precisely for her and encouragement to all of us.

Music chosen with careful purpose for our mom. Our dad told us that our mom had been playing Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High on the Mountain.” Her favorite singer/ celebrity she has loved forever Elvis’ “If I Can dream.” The final song was sung by my “other” sister (my dad’s other daughter and long time friend of mine) Jacquie Rogers. She prayerfully chose “Precious Lord Take My Hand” and her beautiful voice gave us chills from head-to-toe.

We had a wonderful time at the Yoshimura’s for a reception to break bread together. Our mom was with us in our hearts and we know it would bring her joy to have everyone together. 

From our hearts to yours thank you to all the family and friends who were able to come remember our mom (Anna) and share your condolences and memories of her. 

Please share your photos and/or videos you have of her or cards she sent you. We’d love to see your memories as we navigate this road ahead of us. 

Stephens & Bean Chapel helped us make this possible and will send us a book filled with your comments and pictures in about 30-days.

THANK YOU EVERYONE! 

May 2, 2022
Seems I can’t watch a program on tv without it being about someone who has passed away or about to pass. I guess that’s part of the grieving process. 😥 Missing my daily texts/calls from her. I try not to think about it too much. Gotta keep pressing on and be strong for my dad.

May 5, 2022
The last three weeks when Thursday evening comes around, it brings a flood of memories of my mom’s last few hours with us. A precious and beautiful, yet heartbreaking time with my sister Natalie, my daughter Tabitha and son Nicholas as we held her hands, prayed and whispered our love to her as we let her go into the Father’s arms. We were grieving the loss before she took her final breath knowing she was ready to leave us. 

I’m know my faith will sustain me and I remind myself that she is in the presence of Jesus; knows no more pain, suffering or sadness. She is missed by all of us who knew her as wife, mother, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, or friend. 

I have great compassion for those who have lost their mom and/or dad. No one can ever replace them. Our lives are changed forever and will never be the same. 

This journey of grief will have its ups and downs and I expect that to happen. It’s just so hard losing my mom and it leaves a huge hole. I’m thankful we still have our dad with us and can enjoy our memories of her together.

Anna was my first manager when I started work at Fresno Hobby.  She soon became a wonderful and treasured friend.  She was always so thoughtful.  I loved all the homemade cards she’d send me; they were so special and her words always full of love and comfort.  I treasure all the visits with her when I came into town and calls through the years after I moved so far away.  I love and miss you so much, Anna!  But I know that you are no longer in pain and are whole once more.  Please give my mom a hug when you see her and we’ll see each other again in Heaven.  Rest In Peace, my friend.  🙏🏻❤️
Love always, Kelly

I looked forward to getting these cards from Aunt Anna and was told she enjoyed making cards for family and friends. What a special, creative gift she had! ❤️

I enjoyed getting birthday cards from Aunt Anna. She was very creative! ❤️

I always loved getting the homemade cards she made for Doug and me for our birthdays and  anniversaries.  Here is the last one I received on March 1, 2022.

GG Anna had the biggest heart ever and shared her love and laugh with all of us is what I will forever remember about her 💜 and will treasure how she welcomed me into her life and our visits when she worked at Macys. 
I know she will be missed dearly by many who were fortunate enough to have experienced her friendship. Until we meet again GG Anna I will have many stories to share with you.💜

I have so many precious memories of my beautiful aunt Anna! As a child we had the blessing of spending quality time with our aunts and cousins.  Aunt Anna was always smiling and she was very funny.  I loved how she sent everyone in my family a hand made birthday card.  It made my children, my husband, and I feels so special.  Aunt Anna was so giving and loving!  Love you so very much, Aunt Anna!💐

Anna, the sweetest soul. She took me in as one of her own family and always made me feel loved and welcomed. She was  a great conversationalist, I loved chatting away with her. I’m happy to have known her warmth and positive  attitude. My heart is heavy for your family,  This is just never easy. I’ve continually asked God to bring you Peace That Passes Understanding.  All my love to you. 

You have left quite a legacy Aunt Anna. We all loved you so much and your love for family was such a blessing to everyone. You will be greatly missed.         Love, Sheryl

I will miss you Aunt Anna. You were well loved. You are sharing your wonderful laugh with Jesus.
Joanie

OBITUARY

Anna Pearl Mertz

13 March, 1942 – 14 April, 2022

Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel

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