Obituary for Vivian Mertz

Vivian Lee Mertz

July 17, 1928 – October 6, 2024

Vivian Lee Kendall Mertz was born on July 17, 1928 in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, to Kenneth (“KK”) and Esther Kendall. When she was two, her family moved to a Western Kansas farm until the Dust Bowl days drove them back to Oklahoma. Following Vivian’s graduation from Tonkawa High School in 1946, she began her college studies at Northern Oklahoma College (“NOC”) where she studied nutrition followed by classes at Oklahoma A&M. While attending NOC Vivian caught the eye of Don Mertz, who arranged for someone to set them up on a date. They married two years later, on June 30, 1948. Needing to support his new bride, Don, with his brother, Forrest, purchased their grandfather’s metal working business, Mertz Iron & Machine Works. Don took Vivian to “the shop” on their wedding day for her to receive her first lesson on how to keep the books for the company, which she did humbly, graciously and skillfully for the next 48 years. Together, they enjoyed a heavenly blessed marriage as lifelong best friends, trusted business partners, lovers and confidants for over 66 years of marriage, side by side 24/7/365. Vivian and Don’s life was filled with many joys and sorrows, including extremely hard work, raising 4 children, going broke a few times, finding custom metal jobs wherever they could, losing Don’s brother, Charles Roy, in WWII and Vivian’s sister, Phyllis Asbury, caring for an asthmatic child, and losing their oldest son, John, in 1974. Yet knit together with them during those challenging times were the blessings and joys of deeply valued friendships with other young couples, as well as a treasure trove of friendships with Mertz employees and business associates worldwide with whom there were rich mutual bonds. Vivian always kept the company books, meticulously balancing them over the years to the penny in those pencil, paper ledger and adding machine days before computers. Eventually, Mertz Iron & Machine Works became Mertz, Inc., a company achieving worldwide recognition as a leading producer of vibroseis trucks used in oil exploration.

Vivian loved to share stories of how God answered their prayers to meet the payroll, sometimes with the exact amount needed to pay their employees. Yet sometimes God’s answer was “Not now” resulting in no other option but to have an employee layoff. Yet doing so was very hard on them as they genuinely loved their employees. As the company grew, so did their relationship with the Lord. As their relationship with the Lord grew, so did her service to others. Although Vivian gave so much of her life and time to her role in the business, she also found ways to serve others in the community through teaching Sunday School, serving on the board of the Pioneer Woman Museum, the American Red Cross, being active in Mother’s Club, D.A.R., Bible Study Fellowship and helping establish Young Life in Ponca City. Vivian and Don retired from Mertz, Inc. in 1996, but continued on in their service to others.

On October 6th, after 4 years of declining health, Vivian passed quietly at home with her devoted family by her side. During those 4 years, her son, Charlie, went to great lengths to ensure that Vivian’s life was of the highest quality with great adventures, games and a return to piano playing. She enjoyed being wheeled onto the back porch in her recliner to enjoy the outdoors for hours at a time.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Phyllis Asbury, her son, John, and by her devoted husband, Don. To carry on her legacy of faith, hope and love is her brother, Jack Kendall (Felicia) of Spokane, WA; her children, Marilyn (John) Sharp of Tulsa, Charles Mertz of Ponca City, Tom (Julie) Mertz of Stillwater; 9 grandchildren and 10 precious great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Vivian’s family has immense gratitude for Mandy Hubler, April Nelson and Robin Focke for their loving and kind devotion to Vivian, as well as for Dr. John Holden and staff, Precise Home Health, Dr. Melinda Allen and Hospice of North Central Oklahoma.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 11th at 1:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Ponca City, 218 S 6th St, under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Viewing will be available on Thursday, October 10th, 10am to 8pm at Trout Funeral Home, 505 W Grand Ave. Those unable to attend the Funeral Ceremony, may attend virtually on the Trout Funeral Home website, www.troutfuneralhome.com and click on the live-stream or toolbar icon on the top right corner after 12:45 PM.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift to one of Vivian’s favored charities is suggested: American Red Cross (205 W Hartford Ave, 74601), First Baptist Church (218 S 6th St, 74601), Hospice of North Central Oklahoma (445 Fairview, 74601), Pioneer Woman Museum (701 N Monument Rd, 74604) or Young Life (PO Box 33176, Tulsa OK 74153-1176).

The family would appreciate receiving your favorite memories of Vivian and how she may have influenced your life. Please email those to [email protected] or jot a note at the church.

Source: Trout Funeral Home