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After a long, valiant fight with pancreatic cancer, on April 20, 2026, Kim Hunnicutt Mertes left her earthly home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was 65 years old.
Kim was born in Jan. 22, 1960 in Altus, Oklahoma, to Gene and Martha Hunnicutt. She was the first of their three daughters. Kim was raised in Powell, Wyoming, and graduated from Powell Senior High in 1978. She then left for Santa Monica, California, and attended The School of Gemology. After receiving her certificate, she pursued a career in jewelry design. After many years she moved to a career in computer software for hospitals and traveled extensively around the U.S. Prior to her illness Kim’s last job was credentialing newly hired physicians for hospitals.
At age 50 Kim met the love of her life Kenny Mertes. He was a widower with his 9-year-old son, Clayton. They married and settled in Aumsville, Oregon and raised Clayton together. Kim loved being a mom with all the challenges and benefits it comes with. They were all very active in the Willamette Valley Baptist Church. There, they surrounded themselves with those who loved the Lord as much as they did. Kim had exquisite taste in all things, and what a flare for style. She took great pride in her appearance and was never without her long perfect nails. Her favorite color was purple and was always reflected in her attire and surroundings. Kim loved singing in the church choir, praising the Lord for all she had.
Kim leaves behind her beloved husband of 14 years Kenny Mertes of Aumsville, Oregon; son Clayton (Meghan) Mertes; in-laws Don (Genie) Mertes of Benson, Arizona; sister Louisa (Byron) Denny of Nampa, Idaho; sister Sheila (Mark) Morrow of Columbia, Tennessee; brother-in-law Mike Mertes of Watertown, Wisconsin; sister-in-law Mary (Gary) Sielaff of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin and sister-in-law Donna (Mark) Exner of Roseville, California. She also leaves behind two grandchildren and multiple nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.
There will be a Celebration of Life on May 23, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Willamette Valley Baptist Church in Aumsville, Oregon. There will also be a streaming link at: wvbchurch.com/live.html.
