Bethany Lee Mertens Obituary (1981 - 2022)

Bethany Lee Mertens, 41, of Keosauqua, IA passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at the Van Buren County Hospital with her loving family by her side. As were Beth's wishes her body has been cremated. A graveside service for family and friends will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at the Pittsburg Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be held at the Hotel Manning immediately following the graveside service. Memorial contributions in her honor may be directed to the family. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com. Beth Lee Mertens was born on March 28, 1981, in Fairfield, IA to Lloyd and Melinda Barker Spates. She grew up in Van Buren County and graduated from Van Buren High School in 1999. Beth was not a stranger to work and started working during high school at the Circle B in Keosauqua and continued there for several years after graduation. She then took a job with State Central Bank in Farmington, IA where she was a dedicated employee for over 17 years. Beth had recently begun working in the Clerk of Court Office at the Van Buren County Courthouse until her health would no longer allow. Beth married the love of her life, David Mertens in August of 2007 at the Roberts Building in Keosauqua, IA. Together they were loving parents to five children: Calvin, Will, Riley, Wyatt, and Marlee. Beth loved animals and had several times where her home was just one animal short of a petting zoo. She had a passion for travel and served as the family travel agent for the many trips that they would take together. She always enjoyed time on the bike with David, and their trips to Sturgis. Beth wore many hats throughout her life but the one she loved the most was mother. She cared deeply for her children and supported them as their number one fan not only in sports, but also in life. She was a voice of reason, a shoulder to cry on, and the first one to offer words of encouragement. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts and minds of her family, and those lucky enough to call her friend. Beth was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, her stepfather, Ronald Davenport, and an uncle, Steve Barker. Left to share her story is her husband, David Mertens of Keosauqua, IA; five children, Calvin Mertens, Will Mertens (McKenna Magnuson), Riley Warner (Carson Halbrook), Wyatt Mertens, and Marlee Mertens; her parents, Lloyd (Diana) Spates of Douds, IA and Melinda Davenport of Keosuaqua, IA; two sisters, Sara Spates of Jefferson City, MO and Shelby Spates (Jake Lowery) of Salem, IA; two stepsisters, Lacey (Nick) Vandegriff of Fairfield, IA and Leslie Shalla of Riverside, as well as many extended family and friends.