Ellen Mertikas

Ellen Mertikas, 76 years old, passed away on August 5, 2019 in Henderson, NV. She was born in Yonkers, NY on May 1, 1943 to John and Ellen O’Neil. Ellen went to Neptune High School where she was a straight A student and known as one of the smartest students. She met her future husband, Larry, at age 14 in high school. Even though he was intimidated, he eventually got the courage to ask her out. After high school, Ellen went to the University of Chicago to pursue a pre-med degree. Ellen left school to marry Larry and start a family. This was just one example of her love for Larry and her commitment to him and having a family. She and Larry had four children and although, she had several jobs over the years, the most significant was her role as a homemaker. She was a wonderful, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She took care of her husband and family in any way she could while always putting their needs above her own. She loved her family deeply and they all loved her just as much in return. Ellen was the glue that held the family together. She always arranged dinners and get-togethers both in Nevada and Florida so that the family in each area could get together and have a good time together. It gave her great joy to get to see and be with her family. Ellen loved cooking and would often cook for her whole family at these get-togethers and usually was the last person to sit down to eat (usually even after everyone else had already finished eating) because she wanted to make sure everyone enjoyed their food before she would eat. She cared so much about her family and always wanted the best for each and every member. She would also do everything in her power to make them happy. Ellen was beautiful inside and out. She was a great planner, organizer, and loved a good bargain (often much to the dismay of her family members). She kept active by running errands, cooking, and spending time with all of her loved ones. She will be remembered as that amazing, caring woman with seemingly endless energy and will be missed dearly.

Ellen Mertikas is preceded in death by her mother and father John and Ellen O’Neil, her sister Mary Fortier, and brother John O’Neil.

Ellen Mertikas is survived by her husband Larry Mertikas, brother Howard O’Neil (Lori O’Neil), daughter Laurie Cole (Tony Cole), sons Tim Mertikas (Theresa Mertikas), Larry Mertikas, and John Mertikas (Heather Mertikas), grandchildren Sarah Cole, Timmy Cole, Tony Cole, T.J. Mertikas, Donovan Mertikas, Jake Mertikas, Julia Mertikas, and Mackenzie Mertikas, great grandchild Jordan Mertikas, and many other family members as well as those that were like family to Ellen.

A private service will be held at Davis Funeral Home and Memorial Park.