Edith Merthella ‘Mert’ Coletti passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family and friends on July 15, 2008.

Mert was born January 29, 1943 in Kingston, Utah to Merthell and Ella Peterson Gleave. At the age of 13 she moved to Mckinleyville, Calif., with her mother and siblings. She attended Arcata High School. Being the eldest of eight children she took on the responsibility of caring for her siblings while her mother worked several jobs to support their family. She spent most of her adult life living in Mckinleyville, where she worked as a medical assistant while raising her four children. She moved to Salyer, Calif., in 1986 after marrying the love of her life and her soul mate, Lance Coletti.

Mert was creative and had many talents, she could fix just about anything; she was an artist, she loved beading and crocheting as well as dredging for gold on their mining claim.

Mert was known for her refreshing candidness, infectious laughter, kind heart, quick wit and unconditional love she graciously gave to her family and friends. People in need of an attentive listener could always rely on Mert. She was always more concerned for others than herself and would ask how you were, because she genuinely wanted to know. She had a kindred spirit that was full of empathy and compassion for everyone that came in contact with her. She had an uncanny insight on life’s trials and tribulations and was routinely referred to as an old soul by her family and friends. She was a straight shooter and called everything the way it was, pulling no punches was something she did; she called it, “Tuff love!” Everyone that knew her is better off for their experience.

Mert is loved by her family and friends. She will not be forgotten, but remembered for her thoughtful words of wisdom and guidance, which will be passed on for generations to come. Her generous and kind nature will be deeply missed by those who were blessed to have known her; she will live in our hearts forever.

Mert leaves to cherish her memories a devoted husband of 22 years Lance Coletti of Salyer, Calif.; her father Merthell Gleave; step-father Melvin Robinson Sr. both of Willow Creek, Calif.; son Gene (Stephanie) Prater of Springfield, Ore.; daughter Ronella Waterman of Redding, Calif.; daughter Sandra Kinkade Pate of Springfield, Ore.; and son Ronald L. (Francine) Dunsing Jr. of St. George, Utah. She leaves behind her loving grandchildren and great-children Amanda Prater, Crystal Prater, Charlie Dunsing, David Waterman Jr., Justin Waterman, Jennifer Waterman, Tiffany Kinkade, Stephan Kinkade, Destiny Pate, Terence Pate Jr., and Emma Dunsing; great-grandchildren, Trey, Taylor, Nicholas, Brittney, Deijau, Stephen Jr., Lily, Jayden, Dustin, Percaos, and Ryder. Mert is survived by her siblings sister Irene (Kenny) Ammon of Burnt Ranch, Calif.; sister Ella (Victor) Dobrec Jr. of Willow Creek, Calif.; brother, Lindell (Lynda) Gleave of Mckinleyville, Calif.; brother Charles (Marla) Gleave of Arcata, Calif.; sister Rayona Scott of Salyer, Calif.; brother John (Caren) Gleave of Minden, Nev.; and step-brother Melvin Robinson Jr. of Willow Creek, Calif.; mother-in-law Marcia Coletti, sister-in-law Shaun (Frank) Desimone, brother-in-law Brent Coletti, special friend Ida Hunter and numerous nieces and nephews.

Merthella was preceded in death by her mother Ella Robinson, infant sister Dixie Lou and infant grandson Kenneth Prater.

A celebration of Merthella’s life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Paul’s Chapel of Arcata.