She was born in St. Joseph, Missouri on June 27, 1942, daughter of the late Berwyn R. Phipps, Sr. and Elizabeth Nance (Ozenberger) Phipps.
Preceding her in death is her husband, Charles Dave Mercer.
She is survived by her children, Ara Beth Nelson-Mercer (Theron), Julia Ann Glover (Terry), and Daniel Dave Mercer (Jana); grandchildren, Benjamin Theron, Jacob William, and Lydia Ann Nelson-Mercer, Kerrick Peyton Gibbs and Griffin James, Ruth Ann, and Owen Charles Mercer; a sister in-law, Rebecca Phipps; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was a graduate of Spoon River Valley High School in Fairview, IL; attended Canton Community College and received her RN from Graham Hospital School of Nursing, Canton, IL; BA in Liberal Arts Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL; BS in Education with a middle school endorsement in English, University of Southern Indiana. She taught and was a substitute teacher in South Gibson School Corp., North Gibson School Corp., and Evansville School Corp., finishing her teaching career at Oak Hill Middle School. She also taught music and tutored. She was a 50-year member of the P. E. O. Sisterhood in Chapter C, Vermont, IL, and dimited to Chapter CD, Princeton, IN, in 2018. She also served as P.E.O. Indiana State President. Her other activities included former member of Kappa Delta PI, Honorary Educational Society at USI, served on the board of the Gibson County Habitat for Humanity, member of Gibson County Art Guild, a member of Arts Council Southwestern, IN and Henderson, KY Arts Council, and a member of the Friday afternoon Clabber Card players.
She is a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church where she sang in the funeral and regular church choirs, cantored, and played piano and organ. She volunteered as a library reader at Holy Cross School, served on the Parish Council, and was a member of the Holy Cross Quilters. The Cubs were the highlight of her life plus reading, painting, and "road tripping."
The family would like to express their gratitude to the North River Assisted Living Community and staff where she lived for her final six months. In addition, the family thanks Heart to Heart Hospice in easing her final days.
Visitation with the family will be Friday, November 8, 2024 at Stodghill Funeral Home in Fort Branch, IN from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.with a Rosary Service at 3:30 p.m. Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Holy Cross Church with Father Gary Kaiser and Deacon Joe Sievers as celebrant. Graveside services and burial will be in Vermont Memorial Cemetery, Vermont, IL. on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Cross School Library and Music programs; Holy Cross School to assist children in need; Graham Hospital School of Nursing Scholarship Foundation, and Fort Branch Public Library.
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