Mary Jane “Janey” Mertz, age 77, of Rossville, passed away on January 5, 2026, at 11:29 a.m. at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana of a broken heart.

Born September 20, 1948, in Danville, Illinois, Janey was the daughter of John and Daisy (Ellis) Loden. She was united in marriage to Allen E. Mertz on February 28, 1982, at the Rossville United Methodist Church. Mr. Mertz preceded her in death on December 21, 2025.

Janey is survived by her daughters, Rose Kiser (Larry Kleiboeker) of Patoka, Illinois, and Christina Gossett (Pete) of Biloxi, Mississippi; son, Anthony Mertz of Danville; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Linda Corley and Patty Phillips, both of Danville; as well as several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; son, Bruce Eldridge; daughter, Brandy Mertz; son-in-law, David Kiser; brother, Rex Loden; sisters, Diana McDaniels and Rita Hays; sister-in-law, Karen Loden; and brothers-in-law, Vern McDaniels and Jim Corley.

A graduate of North Vermillion High School, Janey dedicated much of her life to caregiving, particularly for children. She was a member of the Rossville United Methodist Church and Eastern Illinois ABATE. Among her many interests were listening to Elvis Presley, crocheting, gardening, working crossword puzzles, and art. She greatly enjoyed motorcycle rides with Allen and traveling, especially trips to Daytona Beach during bike week.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Blurton Funeral Home in Potomac, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 12:00 p.m. In accordance with her wishes, cremation rites will follow the services, and she will be interred at Bethel Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Eastern Illinois ABATE.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Blurton Funeral Home.  Condolences may be shared with the family at www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.