Shirley Ann Schwieterman Mertz, 78, Celina passed away at 10:50 a.m. Feb. 25, 2013, at home, surrounded by her family.

She was born Dec. 28, 1934, to the late Charles and Hilda Marx Schwieterman. She married William A. Mertz on June 23, 1954. He survives.

Also surviving are eight children, Kathleen (Bing) Schmidt of Celina, Susan (Dean) Leffler of California, Deborah (Jeff) Whetstone of Wapakoneta, Lisa Curles of Georgia, Nancy (Alan) Roman of Missouri, Michael (Jackie) Mertz of Celina, Mary (Timothy) McFadden of California and Charles (Carol) Mertz of Celina; 24 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Linda (Carl) Meyer of Versailles and Connie (Tom) Grimm of Celina; and brothers, Charles (Janice) Schwieterman, John (Mary) Schwieterman and Ronald (Karen) Schwieterman, all of Celina.

Deceased is a son, William B. Mertz.

She was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Celina where she volunteered as a communion server and was a member of the Altar Rosary Society. She enjoyed many years of farming and eventually started Mertz Real Estate business. She loved spending time with family and friends and was well known for her optimistic outlook, "This is the best ever!"

Mass of Christian burial is 10 a.m. Saturday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Celina, Rev. Kenneth G. Alt officiating. Burial will follow in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery in Celina.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Friday and before 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Lehman-Hogenkamp-Dzendzel Funeral Home, Celina.

Memorials may be given to Community Health Professionals, Celina.

Condolences may be left at LHDfuneralhome.com.