Danville, Pennsylvania - Betty Jane (Delong) Mertz passed away July 3, 2026, in Nottingham Village, Northumberland. Betty lived in Danville, Montour County. She was born on July 8, 1935, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, to the parents of Horace and Jennie (Frederick) Delong.

She was best known as the long-time hostess at the Dutch Pantry restaurant near I-80 Danville. After retiring from the Dutch Pantry, Betty worked part-time at the Weis Markets in Milton, where she became known as the "Candy Lady," assuring all candy was stocked at every cash register while enjoying chatting with the customers.

She was active in her community, enjoying helping with the fundraisers and the annual festival for the Potts Grove Volunteer Fire Company. She was a faithful member of the Mooresburg United Methodist Church, where she also taught Sunday School for a brief period. Betty enjoyed celebrating and decorating for every holiday, but her most loved activity was spending time with her family.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Robert W Mertz; and her siblings, Vernon Delong, Carolyn Woomer, and Gloria Sanders.

She is survived by her sons, Steven Mertz, and wife Cathy, Dauphin, Scott Mertz and wife Brooke, Danville, and Bradd Mertz and wife Karen, Danville; grandson Alan, of Carlisle, 5 additional grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren by marriage.

A private graveside service will be held, as Betty wished, at the Lewisburg Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be held in the fall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Geisinger Hospice, 1253 N Susquehanna Trail Ste 102, Selinsgrove, PA 17870, in Betty's name.

Arrangements are under the care of Shaw Funeral Home, 400 N. Front St., Milton, and condolences may be shared at www.shawfuneralhomeinc.com.