MASSENA — Gussie J. Mehrtens, 91, formerly of Maywood, N.J., died Wednesday evening at Highland Nursing Home, where she had been a resident since November 2001.

Mrs. Mehrtens was a clerk at a Christian bookstore, J.J. Newberry Co. and Goldberg Slipper Factory, all in New Jersey.

Born Aug. 17, 1916, in Hackensack, N.J., daughter of William and Mary Sumser Dahse, she attended schools in New Jersey.

She married John G. Mehrtens at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Maywood, with the Rev. Harry Young officiating. Mr. Mehrtens died Oct. 13, 1987.

Mrs. Mehrtens was a member of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer and Maywood Senior Citizens. She enjoyed crocheting, playing cards and bingo and reading, especially romance novels. After moving to the nursing home, she served on the Residents Council and attended home activities.

Surviving are a daughter and her husband, Gail and John C. Denman, Clyde, N.C., formerly of Wilson Hill; a daughter-in-law, Clara Krejsa, Maywood, five grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A son, William R. Krejsa, died July 1, 1988. Two brothers, Otto and William Dahse, and two sisters, Elizabeth Adamson and Mary Dahse, also died before her.

The funeral and calling hours will be at Trinka-Faustini Funeral Service, Maywood. Burial will be in George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, N.J.

Local arrangements are with Donaldson Funeral Home.

Donations may be made to the Activities Fund at Highland Nursing Home, in care of Beverly J. Bolster, 182 Highland Road, Massena, N.Y. 13662.

Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfh.com.