She was born in Warren on Aug. 13, 1925, the daughter of the late George C. and Ruby (Sears) Mertens.

Catherine grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and graduated from Lakewood Ohio High School in 1943. She then entered nurses training in the Cadet Nurse Corps at Western Reserve University Hospital from which she graduated in 1946. She was employed for a brief time at Childrens Hospital in Cleveland and then was employed by Jamestown General Hospital before she was married. She later was a private duty Nurse.

Catherine was a 4-H leader for 10 years, a Brownie Scout leader, a member of and held many offices at Lander United Methodist Church, a 50- year member of the Akeley Grange, a member of the Warren County Farmers Association, where she held many offices. She was Warren County Cooperative Extension Board president of Family Living Council, vice president of the 4-H Development Fund Council, chairman of the sewing department of the Warren County Fair for 39 years, a long time member of the Warren Dragon-Wheels Square Dancing Club and a 40-year member of the Lander 500 Card Club.

She was the widow of Frank E. Wilcox, who preceded her in death March 10, 2003.

Surviving are one son, David A. (Becky) Wilcox of Lander, Pa.; three daughters: Marita (Jerry) Jespersen, Lander, Pa., Mary Anne (William) McFarland of Russell, Pa., and Marcia (Charles) Harrington of Russell, Pa.; a sister-in-law, Eleanor Wilcox of Russell, Pa.; 11 grandchildren: Melissa Rosfeld, Matthew Wilcox, Tracey Nosel, Abbie Nosel, Matthew Nosel, Ryan Jespersen, Chad Jespersen, Leah Hogan, Ian McFarland, Andrew Har-rington and Scott Harrington; 14 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Harrington and a great-grandson: Finn Hogan.

Friends will be received on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Sugar Grove Branch of McKinney Funeral Homes, 117 Main St., Sugar Grove, Pa.

A funeral and committal service will be held at the Lander United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24, with the Rev. Marcus Briggs officiating. Burial will be private in Foster Cemetery in Lander.

The family suggests those wishing to place memorials may do so to the 4-H Development Fund Council, or Lander United Methodist Church.

Family and friends may send an e-condolence or send flowers at www.mckinneyfuneral.com.