E. Ruth Mertz, 91, of Bethlehem, formerly of Wilson Borough, passed away Monday, March 3, 2014 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Born: September 1, 1922, in Nutley, NJ, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Elizabeth Leonard Liming. Personal: Her husband, of 41 years, Donald E. Mertz died earlier. Ruth and her husband owned and operated Mertz Grocery Store in Wilson Borough from 1957-1972. Prior to that, she served as the first female police officer in Norristown. Ruth had also worked as the Director of Volunteers at Easton Hospital and Social Services Director for Northampton Convalescent Center. She attended Phillipsburg High School and Columbia University. Ruth enjoyed completing the NY Times crossword puzzle and playing bridge with her pals as recently as last week. Memberships: She was a member of Blessed Hope Church of the Nazarene, Phillipsburg and the former Memorial United Church of Christ, Wilson Borough. Ruth was Past President of the Liberty Elementary School PTA and Wilson High School PTA and a member of the Tired Housewives Bowling League. She was a lifelong member of the League of Women Voters serving as the Voters Service Chairman and preparing the Voter's Guide. Survivors: Four sons, James C. Mertz and his wife, Cindy, of Allentown, Thomas E. Mertz, Sr. and his wife, Suzanne of Wilson Borough, Donald E. Mertz, Jr. and his wife, Carole of Nazareth and David A. Mertz, of Forks Township; a daughter, Mary Beth Lewis and her husband, Gordon, of Palm Desert, CA; 16 grandchildren, Jessica Mertz, of Newport, RI, Elizabeth Collins, of Jackson Hole, WY, Thomas Mertz, Jr., of Plainfield Township, Jennifer Taube, of Williams Township, Stephanie Micci, of West Easton, Cory Dick, of Flemington, NJ, Kyle and Haley Mertz, both of Lower Macungie, Mark and Joshua Shafer, both of Nazareth, Eric, Cameron and Adam Lewis, all of Los Angeles, CA, Scott Pence, Bruce Pence and Jill Pence, and 9 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by an infant son, Paul Joseph "P.J." Mertz; a step-daughter, Joan Raimbeu; a brother, Charles Liming and two sisters, Ethel Boehmer and Elizabeth Brewen. Services: 11am Saturday, April 5th in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 2101 Northampton Street, Wilson Borough. Call Saturday, April 5th 10-11am in the funeral home. Burial will be in Northampton Memorial Shrine. Offer on-line condolences at www.strunkfh.com
. Memorials: In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Center for Animal Health & Welfare, 1175 Island Park Road, Easton, PA 18042.