Dolores E. Mertens

Dolores E. Mertens of Beebe, Arkansas, passed away on July 9, 2026, at the age of 97, with loving family by her side.

Born and raised in Roe, Arkansas, Dolores was a woman of remarkable strength, determination, and common sense. She believed in hard work, personal responsibility, and doing what needed to be done. She was practical, resourceful, and resilient, someone who met life's challenges with confidence and resolve. No matter what was going on in her life, if you asked how she was doing, her answer was always, "I'm fine." She believed complaining never solved anything, so there was no sense in wasting time on it.

After graduating from Roe High School, she taught second grade in a one-room schoolhouse in Hazen, Arkansas for a brief time. Although circumstances prevented her from pursuing her dream of a teaching career, the time she spent there was one of her fondest memories. She married John Mertens of DeValls Bluff, Arkansas in 1948. They had four children and five grandchildren and were married for 69 years before his passing in 2018. They moved many times during their marriage until they bought a farm outside of Beebe, Arkansas in 1963, where they spent the rest of their lives.

During her life, Dolores worked many different jobs from running a small country store, to working in a clothing factory as a seamstress, but most notably, she and John started and ran a small family dairy farm for 23 years, with the help of their children. In addition to caring for the farm and children, she planted a large garden every year, canned the harvest, and prepared three home-cooked meals each day until her family was raised.

An exceptional cook and baker, she was known for many southern favorites like homemade bread and cinnamon rolls, chicken & noodles, fried chicken, peanut brittle, peach cobbler, lemon ice box pie, and countless other family favorites. She always made sure there was plenty of food for family and friends - no one ever left her table hungry. When she decided it was time to pass the torch for cooking and baking, she made sure each of her children knew how to make their favorite recipes, ensuring the traditions would continue for generations. She will always be in her family’s hearts and at their tables.

After retiring from dairy farming, she enjoyed a slower pace of life, taking up ceramics as her very first hobby, tending her rose bushes and flower gardens, reading good books, gathering for Sunday family dinners, and ending many afternoons around the domino table with family and friends. 

Her greatest pride and joy was her family. She loved her children and grandchildren fiercely and taught them the importance of standing by one another through both good and difficult times. It is sometimes said that the measure of a life is found in what we leave behind. Dolores leaves a family who knows the value of hard work, the importance of loving and caring for one another, and the joy of gathering around the table to share good food and company. She would likely say that was a legacy worth leaving, and those who knew her best would agree.

Dolores is survived by her four children and son-in-law, along with her five grandchildren, extended family members, and friends who will continue the traditions, values, and lessons she passed down.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Friday, July 17th at 10 a.m. for family and friends at Mount Olive Cemetery, located at the intersection of Mount Olive Road and Mount Olive Church Road in Beebe (Floyd), Arkansas.

The family will not be hosting a reception following the service. They sincerely appreciate your understanding and the love and support shown during this difficult time as they mourn the loss of their beloved Mother and Grandmother.