Myrtle “Mert” M. Jones, 83, passed away November 26, 2017. Born September 7, 1934 to John A. Parsons and Hazel M. (Bergman) Parsons in Lewis, Iowa one of three children.

Mert grew up and attended schools in Exira, Iowa, graduating from Exira High School where she was the Homecoming Queen and a basketball player while in school. Mert met Dick in Osceola on a blind date, before he left for his second tour of duty. He proposed to Mert on Valentine’s day and later they were married on May 18, 1956. Later they had six children Pamela, Kevin, Kurt, Keith, Kenneth and Kip, in an 8-year time frame. The love they had for each other was strong enough to survive the over 19 required moves for his military service and Veterans career. Packing a house and six children was soon a mastered talent by “Mert”.

Mert was a member of the Red Hat Society. Mert and Dick were also members of the First Presbyterian Church of Chariton.  They were passionate for bowling, she and Dick traveled many places to compete in leagues, tournaments and often on multiple leagues at one time. She also loved taking pictures and scrapbooking, while she took many pictures there are few with her as she was the one always taking them. When you came to visit you could never leave without getting your picture taken.

Mert was so proud and excited to be apart of the movie “Major League”, which was filmed in Milwaukee behind where they were living. She was an extra in a couple of scenes and could tell you exactly where to watch for her and loved to talk about it to anyone who would listen.

But most of all she loved the time she spent with her family and grandchildren. Every year there was the annual “FFF” Fall Family Fun, gather having lunch, taking pictures and making memories. Birthdays were always a special time, making sure the person was honored in a special way.

Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents, Husband Richard “Dick” K. Jones, sister Lenora (Babe) Parsons. Son Keith Jones, daughter-in-law Vicki Jones and grandson Jeremy Devore.  Left to cherish her memories are children Pamela (David) Raymie, Kevin (Donna) Jones, Kurt Jones, Kenneth Jones, Kip (Kelly) Jones, brother Ed (Sandy) Parsons and 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 1 more on the way. Along with many other nieces, nephews, friends, family and loved ones that will forever remember Myrtle “Mert” for the beautiful women she was inside and out.

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