Mary Elizabeth Wertz

Mary Elizabeth Wertz, known as "Grandma Michigan" and ever more known as "GiGi," passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024. She was born on February 27, 1936, and lived a life full of love and dedication to her family and friends.

Mary married the love of her life, Richard "Gramps" on February 17, 1956 and together they had two children, Todd (Lisa) and Lori (Richard). She was always proud of being a cheerleader and the valedictorian of Mattawan High School in Mattawan, Michigan. Being valedictorian was a source of great pride to her and instilled a lifelong value for education that she passed on to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

In her professional life, Mary was the City Treasurer for Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she worked for 35 years before retiring. In this role, she developed a strong understanding of financial responsibility and the importance of saving. During her time with the city, she made many lifelong friends. Mary also enjoyed playing Bunko with many of her high school friends, creating wonderful memories over the years. In retirement, Mary volunteered at the Grapevine Public Library for 20 years; giving back to her community and sharing her love for learning.

To avoid the harsh Michigan winters, Mary and Richard spent half of the year in Texas to be near their kids and grandkids. The other half of the year was spent in Michigan, where she loved having her grandkids visit during the summer. Mary had a deep love for traveling the world. Some of her favorite places included South Korea, New York City, and most of all Hawaii, where she and Richard would spend a few months every year.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents - Gladys Elida Davidson and Stillman Mertz Grover, her husband - Richard Wertz, siblings- Leo, Eleanor, Dena, Little Marie, Shirley, Marilyn and Sonny and many beloved family and friends. She is survived by her two children, Todd Wertz (Lisa) and Lori Phillips (Richard Lemmon). She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Jennifer Herren (Blake), Benjamin Wertz, and Brittany Wertz, as well as her two favorite great-granddaughters, Reagan and Brynn Herren, who she loved dearly. Mary also left behind her furry companions, Pitch and Felix, who kept her company day in and day out.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on October 1st at 11:00 a.m. at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Lupus foundation--http://www.lupus.org

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to those who helped care for Mary over the last few years, including Meals on Wheels, Cindy Ramsey Center at the Met Church, Colleyville Fire Department and paramedics, Sharon and the many other nurses at Blue Bird Healthcare, Enhabit Hospice and Pastor Paul.

“On Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 at 11:00 am, a Live Stream of Mary's Celebration of Life will be viewable below.