Mercedes "Mitzi" Maynard, of rural Clark, S.D., was called home to Heaven on Friday, March 14, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, S.D., at the age of 94.
The public is invited to a visitation on Friday, March 21, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M., at Watertown Christian Church with a brief prayer service closing the evening. On Saturday, March 22, 2025, visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. with the Celebration of Life beginning at 11:00 A.M. and a lunch to follow, all at Watertown Christian Church. The interment service will be at the South Elrod Cemetery at about 3:30 P.M. Memorial gifts may be given to International Disaster Emergency Service (IDES) or Watertown Christian Church.
Mercedes Martinez was born on April 8, 1930, in San Diego, Calif., the third of five children of Monserrate and Maria Martinez. She attended Vista, Calif. schools, graduating high school in 1949.
She was married to Dwight Maynard on August 14, 1949, at South Elrod, S.D. and they had over 41 years of marriage before his passing in 1990.
Mitzi leaves behind five children: Marlin (Nancy) Maynard of rural Clark, S.D.; Karen (Tom) Gerdts of Clear Lake, Iowa; Diane (Gary) Mathiesen of Sioux Falls, S.D.; David (Andrea) Maynard of Trumbull, Neb.; and Lorelei (Jack) Miller of Fair Haven, Minn. Her children preceding her in death were Sandra Torcivia (step-daughter), Daniel Maynard and Debra Maynard. Also a part of Mitzi and Dwight's legacy are 20 grandchildren and their families, 52 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three brothers: Domingo, Ralph and Elmer Martinez. Her brother George (Sy) Martinez of Port Orford, Ore. survives.
Mitzi was and is, a true treasure - a loving, zealous, hard-working, impactful and fun Kingdom-builder for Christ. Only He knows the breadth and depth of her influence and she would be the first person to give Him all the glory. Her extraordinarily strong will was consistently motivated by love for God and for people.
Her contributions included but were not limited to generous hospitality, teaching hundreds of children the truths of scripture, many mission trips, a green thumb that just wouldn't quit, a willingness to help anyone in need and an insatiable hunger for meaningful spiritual conversations.
From the time of her baptism at age 19, she never stopped growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ. This earth is poorer for her absence, but we look forward with confidence to the day we see her again.
Furness Funeral Home in Clark is assisting with arrangements.
