Debra Mertens
Debra (Deb) Mertens, 67, of Staples, lost her long battle with many chronic illnesses at 9:45 p.m. July 13, 2025 at the Lakewood Health System Care Center in Staples surrounded by her family. (Kacey’s lungs January 17, 1985 - July 13 2025)
Services were held July 19 at the Motley Free Methodist Church.
She was laid to eternal rest at the Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Staples.
Debra was born October 21, 1957 to Thomas and Barbara (Modrow) Trana in Staples. She shared the nursery with Clyde and their mothers had shared a hospital room. She attended Staples Elementary and Staples High School, graduating in 1976. She furthered her education at community college, with vocational training receiving a beautician diploma and worked at a local salon.
Deb married Clyde Mertens, her high school sweetheart, June 24, 1978, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples. Together they had two children, Christopher and Lori. Deb was able to stay home with the children until they were old enough to attend school. She worked as a cook at Central Lakes College in Staples, until the kitchen closed, transferring into maintenance, working at CLC for over 21 years. Due to an unexpected chronic illness (COPD) flare she was hospitalized and disabled in 2011. A second opportunity at life came November 17, 2017, when she underwent surgery receiving a double lung transplant. May God bless her donor and family for making the difficult decision of donating and giving Deb a longer life. Due to the harsh transplant meds, Deb started dialysis in January 2023 which began a medical health decline.
Deb enjoyed crocheting, painting ceramics, cross stitch, flower gardening, riding motorcycle, visiting the mountains, spending time with friends and family and at their river lot.
She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was a tough and endured so much over the past several years. She fought every battle put in front of her, never giving up - now she can finally rest.
Debra is survived by her loving/devoted husband, Clyde; one son, Christopher (Jessica) Mertens of Staples; one daughter, Lori (Mark) Smith of Motley; four grandchildren, Alexis, Clay, Hunter and Carson; one sister, Amber (Dale) Bartylla of Hewitt, two brothers, Thomas (Kathleen) Trana of Staples and Dennis (Mona) Trana of Staples, many nieces and nephews, greats and great-greats.
She is preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Kim Trana and one niece, Dezerae Trana.
Arrangements were by the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel of Staples.
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