Cynthia "Cindy" Sue Mertz, 70, passed on Sunday, October 27, 2013 at home with her family by her side. Cindy was born in Fort Wayne to the late Floyd "Buster" Ely and Emma Lucille Watkins. She was a member of Anthony Wayne First Church of God. She and her late husband, Gary Mertz, had owned and operated the Whistle Stop Toy Trains. She then retired from Neighbor Care Pharmacy.

She is survived by her sons, Craig Sampson of New Haven, Cary Sampson of Fort Wayne and Brian Sampson (Tim Greeninger) of Salem; step children, John (Barb) Mertz and Keli (Rex) Emenhiser; sister, Sandy (Dave) Carpenter; step siblings, Tom (Sandy) Ely and Nancy Weimer; 12 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; a special thanks to her best friends and caregivers, Linda Dohm and Marsha Peters; and friend, Roy Croswaithe.

She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 20 years, Gary P. Mertz, on October 8, 1997.

Funeral Service is 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 31, 2013 at Covington Funeral Home, 8408 Covington Road, with calling one hour prior. Calling is also 1-4 & 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest at Covington Memorial Gardens. Preferred memorial are to Visiting Nurse.