Crystal worked full time as an administrative assistant for BioTab Healthcare, and was also in the Honors Program at UMSL pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She enjoyed arts and crafts and loved making and drawing different things. Crystal was a talented writer, avid reader, enjoyed baking, and watching horror movies. She always made people feel welcome, she was funny, sweet, caring and would give the shirt off her back if someone needed it.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Tasha Cox-Hedger.
She is survived by her significant other, Alan-Michael Foster;
her parents, Paul and Jeanne Mertens;
five siblings, Christine Mertens, Caleb Mertens, Chassity (Bryan) Beisner, Shasta Cox,
and David Cox;
a foster brother, Timmy (Aly) Brown;
many nieces and nephews;
many dear aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends;
and her cat, Sushi.
Memorials may be made to The Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 3, 2024, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Belleville, IL, with Fr. Godfrey Mullen and Fr. Jack McEvilly officiating.
Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.