Obituary

Mary Ellen (Burtz) Moon, 83, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away June 5, 2024 in Venice, Florida.

Mary Ellen was born September 9, 1939 in East Point, Georgia to Mary LaTrelle (Vansant) Burtz and George West Burtz. There she spent an idyllic childhood riding horses and in the company of a tight gaggle of cousins, all of whom graduated from East Point High School. From a young age she spent her days atop a horse. She was known for her beautiful singing voice, one that won her many awards and scholarships, and for her keen eye for beauty, in its many forms. Her quick wit, spunk and sass made her a super fun companion and, by equal measure, got her into a fair amount of trouble. There was never a dull moment around Mary Ellen. She was a big personality and one that we will all miss.

Mary Ellen is predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Gerald Rex Moon, with whom she shared many adventures and three children. When Gerald passed, Mary Ellen moved to Florida to enjoy warm ocean breezes, the sand between her toes, and to be close to son Rex and his wife Paula.

In declining health for the past few years, Mary Ellen resided at Bay Breeze Health and Rehab in Venice, Florida where she became one of the staff’s favorite residents. Mary Ellen kept everyone smiling with her Southern accent, quick wit, sassy manner, and keen fashion sense. Never one to give up style for comfort, she wore her white cowgirl boots and perfectly applied mascara and lipstick long after being confined to a wheelchair. With a wink, “you never know when you might be invited to dance.”

Mary Ellen is survived by three children, LaTrelle Scherffius (Brett Walker), Rex Moon (Paula Moon) and Alan Moon. She leaves behind four grandchildren, Liz and Andrew Scherffius, and Zak and Jade Moon, and a brother Van Lee Burtz. The family is grateful for the kindness of everyone who has shown her so much love these past few years. A special thanks to Kim and Desire of Bay Breeze, whose care has meant so much.

The family will hold a private ceremony and requests memorials be made to the Senior Friendship Centers, Inc. of Sarasota, FL or to the charity of your choice.

Live big, love freely, and keep smiling.

September 9, 1939 - June 5, 2024