Mertis Arledge Edwards

Mertis Arledge Edwards, 79, a native of Denham Springs, LA and a long-time resident of Baton Rouge, passed away peacefully at home on June 18, 2023.  She was born on March 5, 1944, to Lawrence W. Arledge and Lizzie McLin Arledge.  She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, William Rader Edwards, her daughter, Susan Edwards Mathews and husband Stephen Wayne Mathews, and her son, William Charles (“Chuck”) Edwards and wife Betsy Dodd Edwards, and six grandchildren, William Neal Mathews and fiancée Madelyn Frances Haynes, Benton Edwards Mathews, Andrew Stephen Mathews, Mary Katherine Mathews, Kirsten Ashley Edwards, Sara Grace Edwards, and her sisters, Helen Arledge Harris and Velma Arledge Jones.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Dudley Charlie Arledge.

Mertis graduated from LSU with a degree in education and later received both her masters and specialist degrees, also from LSU.  She began a long career in education teaching in Livingston Parish.  She was soon recruited away to East Baton Rouge Parish where she was promoted numerous times before retiring as the Supervisor of Staff Development.  She then served as the Director of Employee Training for the City of Baton Rouge before retiring yet again.       

Mertis was a strong, passionate, and positive presence that lit up any room she entered.  She had a passion for collecting antiques and traveling with friends.  Mertis was a great cook who loved entertaining family and friends over the years.     

She was a member of the Broadmoor United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, LA, where she worshipped.

Visitation will be at Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home on Thursday, June 22 at 9:30 am followed by a memorial service at 11 am.

Serving as pallbearers will be her nephew Travis Arledge, grandsons Andrew Mathews, Benton Mathews and William Mathews, and great-nephews Caleb Thornton and Cole Thornton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area at 3772 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA, or by visiting www.alzbr.org.