Helen Marie Mertz, 81, of Everest, Kansas, went to be with the Lord on August 9, 2008 at the Hiawatha Community Hospital. Helen was born on July 28, 1927 in Horton, Kansas the oldest of three daughters of Oscar and Lois Steele Olson. She attended and graduated from the Effingham High School, and then obtained her nursing degree from Trinity Lutheran Hospital, in Kansas City. Helen was married to Earl Mertz on June 12, 1949 in Everest, Kansas. The couple resided in Garnett, Kansas, where Earl was a life member of the VFW post #6397. Helen was a registered nurse, and loved her role of helping people daily. She showed that role of caregiver when she returned to the family farm to take care of her father who had suffered a stroke. She remained on the farm and continued to care for her parents until their deaths. She was a long time member of the Everest Methodist Church until its closing, and then she attended the Zion Lutheran Church. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Earl Mertz on November 15, 1974. Helen is survived by two sisters, Margaret Gullickson of Everest, Kansas and Beverly Conus of Topeka, Kansas. She is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces. Her greatest joy in life was the role of "Grandma" to Dustin and Caitlin Gullickson, children of her nephew Kevin and Wanda Gullickson of Everest, Kansas. A private graveside service will be held at the Garnett, Kansas Cemetery on Friday, August 15, 2008. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com