Barbara Koehler Mertz

Barbara Mertz, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and accomplished legal professional, passed away at the age of 76, on September 29, 2024, peacefully in her sleep. Known for her kindness, generosity, and wisdom, Barbara was a pillar of support to all who knew her.

She was married to her beloved husband, Randall Mertz, for 45 years before his passing in September 2014. She is survived by her two children, Alissa and her husband Derek, and Justin and his wife Jill; her five cherished grandchildren: Julia, Emily, Maysen, Myles, and Manning; and her three beloved dogs, Teko, Maddie, and Ina. She is also survived by her brothers, Kurt (Buddy) and Karl, along with many nieces and nephews.

Barbara loved to travel, especially to beach destinations around the world. Among her favorite places was the island of Moorea in Tahiti, where she and her husband Randall, made unforgettable memories. Spending time there with her Tahitian family and friends was one of the great joys of her life, and those experiences remained among her fondest.

A lover of Christmas, Barbara will always be remembered for her thoughtful gift-giving and her famous, Christmas Eve celebrations. These gatherings will live on in the hearts and memories of her children and grandchildren forever.

She had a passion for needlepoint, and her thoughtful creations became treasured gifts to those she loved. Barbara was a deeply compassionate individual who gave selflessly, using her legal expertise to assist many people free of charge. Her heart for giving extended to her support of numerous charities, especially those focused on animal welfare.

She earned her Law Degree at Arizona State University and had a distinguished career as a Law Clerk for the Arizona State Court of Appeals, where her keen intellect and dedication were widely respected.

Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with her husband, family, and beloved pets in heaven. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A memorial service will be held at Green Acres Mortuary and Cemetery, 401 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ, on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 1 pm, the burial service will follow, and reception will be held from 2 pm to 5 pm.

To make this a celebration of life, all are invited, and guests are encouraged to dress casually in beached-themed fun colors. Think Tahitian or Hawaiian, and dress comfortably. Guests are invited to bring stories about Barbara to share.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Love Connection Dog Rescue at https://www.facebook.com/@loveconnectiondogrescue in honor of her love for animals.