Ann King Mertel

Ann King Mertel, 77, of Topeka, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at Brookside Retirement Community in Overbrook. She was born on February 21, 1932 in Topeka, the daughter of Karl W. and Margaret Kelsey King. She graduated from Topeka High School in 1950. She attended Kansas University where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Ann also attended Washburn University where she received degrees in Liberal Arts, Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education. She was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the Junior League of Topeka. She was a teacher for the Topeka Public Schools. She had taught First Grade at Crestview Elementary School from 1966 – 1996. Survivors include two sons, James King Mertel, Mark Stephen Mertel, both of Topeka, three grandsons, Stephen (Janel) Mertel of Topeka, Jesse Ybarra of Gardner, Christopher (Heather) Ybarra of Ft. Bragg, NC, five great-grandchildren, and one sister, Cara K. Decker of Bella Vista, AR. Cremation is planned. Private inurnment will take place in Mount Hope Cemetery. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be given to the Washburn Endowment Association General Scholarship Fund, 1729 SW MacVicar Ave., Topeka, KS 66604.