Joyce G. Mertes of Grain Valley, Missouri passed away on March 24, 2023 surrounded by her family.

Joyce was born April 29, 1947 in Kansas City, Missouri to Mabel Lucille Linhart. Joyce graduated Shawnee Mission West High School in 1965. She married the love of her life, Rolf Mertes, on April 30, 1966; They remained happily married for 30 years until his passing in 1996. During her working career she kept the books for Mertes Motors and then later managed the dining room at the Kansas City Royals Stadium Club. Joyce’s kind heart was accompanied by a hilarious wit that knew no out-of-bounds. She was a meticulous planner of all things big and small and was an avid Chiefs, Royals, and NASCAR fan. She loved to read and watch old westerns. Joyce had a knack for Dominos, Cards, Yahtzee, and Scattergories, but you had to keep a watchful eye on her as she famously cheated at every game she played. 

Joyce is survived by her children Eric and Roseanne Mertes, Aron Mertes, and Mindy Burton, her siblings Andy and Loretta Pullaro, Bill Pullaro and their children, Deb Jonasz and John and Mary Ferguson and their children. She is also survived by her grandchildren Rachel and Ethan Bragg, Alex Mertes, Preston Mertes, Miranda Burton, Nic Mertes, Bailey and Corbin Kleoppel and Griffin Mertes.

She was proceeded in death by her parents Joe and Lucille Linhart Pullaro, her husband Rolf Mertes, her mother-in-law Ellen Ferguson, and aunts and uncles Jean and Nelson Ashwill, and Shirley and Dwight Hammett.

Her family will hold a visitation at Royer Funeral Home in Grain Valley, Missouri on March 29, 2023 from 5-7pm. To celebrate Joyce’s love for KC sports, please wear Royals or Chiefs attire. A burial will be scheduled at later date for the family. In lieu of sending flowers, the family asks that you instead make a donation to St Jude or Wayside Waifs in Joyce’s honor.

Obituary submitted by family.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO   816-847-4441