Maria Wertz

Maria M. Wertz, 74, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2013, in Cape Coral, Florida. Visitation will be held at Hood Mortuary on Thursday, January 2, 2014, from 9 - 9:30 a.m. and a funeral will follow at 10:00 A.M. Chaplain Earl Caudill will be officiating. Burial will be at Greenmount Cemetery. Mrs. Wertz was born August 19, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Jacob and Minna Loibl. She grew up in Chicago and attended her primary education. She married George R. Wertz on December 27, 1957. George was on the police force in Chicago and she supported him and raised their family. They moved to Durango in 1972. Together they owned and operated several notable businesses in Durango, including, the Mountain Shadows Best Western Motel, Liquor World and other ventures. She and George semi-retired in the early 90’s though they continued to work. It was at that time they purchased their second home in Matlacha, Fla. (Pine Island) Maria was active in the German American Social Club of Cape Coral, Florida, and the Matlacha Hookers (A benevolent organization and social club). She enjoyed working with her husband and spending time with her family. Shopping was her favorite hobby. She is survived by her three girls: Shiela Maez, of Grand Junction, Colo., Sherry Wertz of Durango, and Sandra Cheavens of Houston, Tex., 8 Grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, and two brothers: Joe Loibl of Matlacha, and Jake Loibl of Lock Port, Ill. She was preceded in death by her husband George in 1996. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923.