Mertice M. Ehlert, age 89, of Greenville, passed away Thursday evening, February 2, 2017 at Our Place Cares with her children at her side and under the care of Kindred Hospice.  The daughter of Kenneth C. & Thelma L. (Frisbie) Foster, she was born on March 7, 1927 in Crystal.  On May 2, 1947, in Greenville, she married Richard F. Ehlert and together they raised two children and enjoyed over 55 years of marriage until Richard passed away on March 18, 2002. 

Mertice also worked outside the home as a punch press operator at Federal Mogul and enjoyed sewing, quilting, and basket weaving.  Loving the outdoors, she spent her time fishing, hunting, boating and water skiing…she loved her time on the lake!  She delighted in family and especially enjoyed her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents;  an infant daughter, Leona Mae Ehlert;    two granddaughters, Robyn Ehlert  and Jamie Ehlert;  two sisters, Louise Finkbeiner and Frieda Foster;  and four brothers, William Foster, Paul Foster, and Howard L. "Jacques" Foster and Gerald K. Foster.  

Surviving are her children, Ronald R. & Celia Ehlert, Sr. of Greenville, and Nancy L. & Michael Shaffer of Derby Lake;  five grandchildren, Michael & Sally Shaffer, Tim Shaffer, Jeff Shaffer, Rick & Nikki Ehlert, and Ronald Ehlert Jr.;  ten great grandchildren;  two great-great grandchildren;  and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation is from 2-3 p.m. on Monday at Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville, where funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday. Chaplain Sue Petro of Kindred Hospice will officiate and burial will take place in the spring at River Ridge Cemetery in Belding.

Contributions in memory of Mertice may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association.  To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Mertice's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit:  www.ChristiansenCares.com