PEKIN ~ Martha L. “Mert” Nelms, 90 of Pekin, passed away at 6:15 a.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at Unity Point Health-Proctor in Peoria.
She was born May 2, 1924 in Pekin to Lawrence G. and Fannie E. (Stauthammer) Cordes. Her parents and one sister, Anna Marie Wagner preceded her in death.
Surviving are one daughter, Pamela (Jack) Buerkett of Winter Haven, FL; two sons, Larry (Janet) Nelms and, Randy (Barb) Nelms both of Pekin; sister Millie Cordes of Pekin; five grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and one great great grandchild.
Mert had worked as a cashier and clerk for 14th Street Hardware for 27 years, retiring in May of 2001.
She was a charter member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Pekin where she had been active in the Concordia Society, Yesterday’s Youth and as an Usher.
Mert enjoyed playing cards.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pekin. The Rev. Dr. Rodger P. Abatie will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 700 South 4th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18