Eldred Maerz

December 31, 1924 – November 24, 2025

Eldred Muriel Maerz (née Sanderman) passed away peacefully on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the age of 100.

Eldred was born on December 31, 1924, on the family farm near Three Hills, AB, to William and Lorinda Sanderman. She was the youngest of three children, following her brothers Leonard and Gerald.

Eldred attended Three Hills Ridge School, and later Three Hills Town School, completing her education through to Grade 9. On June 2, 1944, she married Reuben John Maerz, a farmer from the Three Hills area. They shared many decades of partnership in farming and family life until Reuben’s passing in March 2015.

A devoted farm wife, Eldred cherished the rhythms and rewards of rural living. She loved the land and the life it offered her family. Her hands were rarely still – she found joy in crocheting, tending her garden, canning preserves, and playing cards with family and friends. Above all, Eldred treasured time spent with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Eldred is survived by her two sons: Reuben Wayne (Lorna Smith), and Vern (the late Lorna Helton). She leaves behind her five grandchildren: Cheryl, Connie, Robert (Jacqueline), Kimberly (Shane), and Julie (Mike); her eight great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss her kindness, warmth, and steady presence.

Eldred was predeceased by her parents, William and Lorinda Sanderman; her husband, Reuben John Maerz; her brothers, Leonard and Gerald; and her daughter-in-law, Lorna Maerz (née Helton).

Her family remembers her with love and gratitude for a life well lived, grounded in family, hard work, and the simple joys she cherished.

Funeral services will be held at Maerz Cemetery in Three Hills, Alberta, beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Eldred Maerz requests that memorial donations made in Eldred Maerz’s honour may be made directly to any charity of choice.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 5226 – 46 Street, Olds, Alberta. Phone: 403.507.8610

• Date : 2025-12-09
• Location : (Olds) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com