RUTH MERTZ

Ruth Mertz, 95, of Pittston passed away on Saturday morning, October 10, 2015 at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center.

Born in Duryea on May 21, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Morris and Zelda Gordon Kurlansky.

She was a graduate of Duryea High School and Lackawanna Business College.

Upon graduation, she was employed in the office of Radio City and consequently married her boss, the late Harry Mertz. They were happily married for 62 years. They traveled extensively as guests of GE, Magnavox and other appliance dealers. They visited Spain, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, Greece, Israel, all the Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Brazil.

Ruth was an Eternal Light member of Temple Israel in Wilkes-Barre, a life member of the Jewish Home Auxiliary and a life member of Hadassah.

Ruth was a volunteer in the feeding program at the Jewish Home of Eastern PA for several years and a frequent visitor at the Home.

She was an avid reader and enjoyed writing poetry. Her poem, "Miracles" was published by the "Internal Library of Poetry." She also enjoyed doing puzzles and corresponding with out-of-town relatives and friends.

Ruth was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and a good neighbor. She will be sadly missed by all. Ruth will always be remembered for her love of family, her uplifting spirit and great sense of humor.

The family would like to thank Dr. Gerald Gibbons for the compassionate and excellent care given to our mom.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Mertz, brother Samuel Kurlansky, and loving sister Dorothy Weissberger and her brothers-in-law Aaron Weissberger and Al Smith.

She is survived by her sons Sheldon, Pittston, Barry, Cherry Hill, NJ and her very loving daughter-in-law Faye Mertz, caring daughter Linda Mertz Cohen, Pittston, with whom she resided, and Carolyn Mertz, daughter by choice of Wilke-Barre, sister Natalie Smith, MD, cherished grand-children Michelle Mertz, M.D., Julie Drogin, Scott Mertz, Jacob Mertz, Marley Cohen and great-grandson Micah Mertz.

Graveside services will be held at the West Pittston Jewish Cemetery, 22 Wilkern St., West Pittston, on Sunday, October 11, 2015, at 12:30 with Rabbi Larry Kaplan officiating.

Shiva will be observed at the home of Linda Mertz Cohen, 180 William Street, Pittston on Sunday from 6-9pm and at the home of Barry Mertz, 410 Fireside Lane, Cherry Hill, NJ on Monday from 6-9pm and Tuesday 6-9pm.

Memorial donations can be made to the Jewish Home of Eastern PA, 1101 Vine St., Scranton, PA 18510 or the donor's favorite charity.

Arrangements by Rosenberg Funeral Chapel, Inc. Wilkes-Barre.

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