Camargo resident, Mertie Jane Boatman passed from this life November 14, 2009 at the Woodward Regional Hospital. Mertie was born to Hallie and Luella Titus Boatman October 4, 1942 near Camargo, Oklahoma. Mertie lived in Camargo and Taloga as a child, attending grade school at Camargo and graduating from Taloga High School in 1960. Mertie continued her education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University first obtaining a Bachelor Degree then receiving her Masters of Education.

In February of 1962 Mertie was united in marriage to John Petree at the First Christian Church of Camargo. This union was blessed with one daughter Ann Steni Petree.

Mertie's most memorable years were teaching in Pritchett, Colorado and Leedey, Oklahoma. She was an educator for 34 years from 1974 – 2008. She enjoyed reading, Elvis Presley music and spending time with grandkids and other family. Mertie was honored with the award of Honorable Mention Teacher of the Year in Colorado in 1986.

Mertie was baptized at the First Christian Church of Camargo and was a member there. She was on the Church Board, an adult Sunday school teacher and enjoyed being a part of the women's fellowship.

Mertie was preceded in death by her father, Hallie Mansfield Boatman, sister, Haleta Mae Boatman Smalling and nephew, Paul Lee Poulson. She is survived by daughter, Ann Ferguson and husband Donovan of Texline, Texas; mother, Luella Boatman of Camargo, Oklahoma; sisters, Wanita Poulson of Camargo, Oklahoma, Lajeana Paulsen and husband Doug of Iowa, and Terry Clem and husband Marty of Camargo, Oklahoma; brothers, LeRoy Boatman and wife Janice of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Jack Boatman and wife DeeAnn of Camargo, Oklahoma and Bill Boatman and wife Darla also of Camargo, Oklahoma; two grandchildren, Taylor Ferguson of Texline, Texas and Callie Ferguson of Texline, Texas; one aunt, Millie Moss of Vici, Oklahoma; 17 nieces, 9 nephews; a host of great nieces and nephews, other family and many, many friends.