Merlene Pettz, 83, of Lawson, Missouri, passed away November 5, 2023 at her home peacefully surrounded by her husband, family and Hospice care.
Merlene (Wilson) Pettz was born on August 4, 1940 in Sayre, Oklahoma, to Merl and Argy Bell (Brownlee) Wilson. She grew up in Holcomb, Kansas, and lived there until she married her husband Hollis Pettz in 1959. They began their married life in Biloxi, Mississippi, then moved to Lake Charles, Louisiana, Deerfield, Kansas, and Dodge City, Kansas, before ending up in Lawson, Missouri, where they put down their roots and raised their family.
Merlene spent her life in service. She was a member of the Lawson United Methodist Church, was an essential part of the Baby Grace Program, acted as Youth Leader in her church for years, taught Sunday School, Bible School and lead a children’s choir. She was also active in Chapter AO PEO. Merlene worked in the home before beginning work as secretary of Lawson High School from 1976-1993. She was a talented seamstress, a wonderful pianist and great cook. She was especially known for her Family Sunday Lunches and her famous chocolate chip cookies. Merlene found joy in staying home and working in her flower gardens and hosting friends and family.
Merlene was preceded in death by her parents, Argy Bell (Brownlee) Wilson and Merl Wilson; and infant sister, Ruby Wilson.
Survivors include her husband of 64 years, Hollis Pettz; her three children, Debbie (Pettz) Hartman and husband Wayne, Darrell Pettz and wife Julie (Kilpatrick) Pettz, and Holly (Pettz) Simmons and husband Ivan. She has nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; a sister, Shirley (Wilson) Kaiser of Colorado; and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, November 12, 2023 at Lawson United Methodist Church. A funeral service to celebrate and honor her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 13, 2023 at the Lawson United Methodist Church in Lawson, Mo. Services will be followed with a private family burial at the Lawson Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Lawson Methodist Church Baby Grace Program or Lawson Food Pantry.
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Lawson.
Our Sincere Condolences
We are very sorry for the loss of your wife, mom, sister and aunt. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
John and Debbie Amos
Hugs and prayers for all. Merlene was the kindest most beautiful girl who always had a sweet smile and a cute giggle. Her friends and family were so blessed. Love to all.
Alan & Sherry Rupp
Memories of joy, laughter, school days, sharing family events, are our lifetime remembrances. Merlene was my kind thoughtful friend who will be cherished forever.
God bless you always, love Marlene
So sorry for your loss! Sending prayers to you and your family!
Denice Morrison
We are so sorry for your loss. Merlene was a wonderful friend and customer of Expressions of Love. She was always doing things for others, sometimes people she didn’t even know.
Much love to your Family
Ed and Mary Duncan
Hollis, Debbie, Darrel and Holly, so sorry for your loss. Merlene was one of the best ladies I have known. Cherish your memories! I know she is resting in the arms of the Lord…
Rosemary Smith
I have MANY memories of Merlene that I will cherish forever! She was a pillar in her family whom she loved dearly. The joy in her face when she spoke of her children and grandchildren showed the intense love she had for you all. She was an example of God’s love and I am blessed to know her. Hollis and Merlene changed my life for the better and I will forever be grateful for their friendship and love. May you find peace and comfort as I know she will be greatly missed. Sending my love to Hollis and the family.
Terree Hooper
I want to offer my condolences as her mother and my dad were brother and sister. Larry Brownlee called me last night to to tell me about her.
Wayne Brownlee
We just heard about the passing of Merlene. She was a ray of sunshine…we always felt her warmth and her happiness. Anytime we met on our Watkins Mill walk we shared hugs and laughter. We send Hollis our thoughts and prayers.
Jack and Maureen Schutz
