Sharon Ann Mertens, 78 years, of Fort Madison, Iowa died at 2:00 am Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. She was born June 20, 1942 in Moline, Illinois, a daughter of Carleton "Keith" and Betty Louise (Walker) Ahlstrand. On June 30, 1962, she married Alfred "Ike" Mertens in Fort Madison, Iowa.

Sharri was a 1960 graduate of Fort Madison High School and lived in the area most of her life. She was always working. She worked at a credit bureau office, Kemkper's Insurance, State Cental Bank, and Lee County Bank before retiring in 2010. In addition from 1975 to 1985, Sharri and her husband, Ike, ran Ike's Place in St. Paul, Iowa. She loved to sing and was a member of the Sweet Adeline's for 18 years. She was a baritone in the International Queens of Harmony quartet, "Galatones." In 1971, the quartet traveled through out the U.S. and did a USO Tour of the far east where they performed at military hospitals. She loved to read and travel. After retirement, Sharri and Ike wintered at Clearwater, Florida for six years.

She is survived by her husband, Alfred "Ike" Mertens of Fort Madison; two sons, Gregory (Linda) Mertens of New London, Iowa and Jeffery (Nicole) Mertens of Coal Valley, Illinois; three brothers-in-law: Francis Mertens of Sacramento, California; Johnny Mertens of Houghton, Iowa; and Paul Mertens of Fort Madison; two sisters-in-law: Harriet Coster of Sacramento, California and Jeanne (Gary) Kos of Washington, Iowa; six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister Beverly Mertens, and one brother-in-law Dan Mertens.

Per her wishes her body has been cremated. Her family will greet friends from 5:30 - 7:00 pm Friday, September 25, 2020 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison. A memorial service will begin at 10:00 am Saturday, September 26, 2020 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, with Pastor Dean Graber, officiating. Burial will be at Aspen Grove Cemetery, Burlington, Iowa. A memorial has been established for PAWS, contributions maybe made at the Barr Memorial Chapel. Masks are required and social distancing will be observed. Barr Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the Mertens family.