Eleanor "Ellie" Kretz

Eleanor “Ellie” Kretz passed peacefully at the age of 93 in her residence at Sunset House in Ottawa Hills on January 4, 2023.

Ellie was born in 1929 to Carl and Jean Achter of Toledo and graduated from Woodward High School in 1947. She met the love of her life, Raymond Kretz of Defiance, OH, while she worked as a bookkeeper in Bryan, OH. Ellie and Ray married in 1951 and settled into their first home in Defiance. There, they had 8 children and then moved to Toledo in 1964. Together they lovingly raised their children with the emphasis always on family first. Mom and Dad showed us every day the value of hard work, staying close to family and the importance of always gathering as one for family dinners.

Ellie was devoted to her faith, husband, family and friends. She loved visiting our grandparents, car rides, playing bridge and pinochle. She was passionate about dancing with Ray, reading, and dogs. She sang in the choir at St. John’s and St. Joseph’s and participated in St. Agnes Rosary Altar Society. Once her children were raised, Ellie managed Hallmark card stores for over 20 years.

Ellie had a long and beautiful life. When she was recently shown a wedding photo of herself and Ray, she said “that’s happiness!”. She will always be remembered for her big, beautiful smile.

Ellie’s family would like to extend our gratitude to the caregivers at Sunset House. Thank you for treating our Mom as if she was your own Grandmother. We are grateful for your compassion, hard work, and gentle care.

Ellie is preceded in death by her husband, Ray; son, Daniel; daughter, Lori; brothers, Dale, Robert, Richard and Jerry; and sister, Deborah Deck. She is survived by her children, David (June), Rita (Bill) Provonsha, Jeanne, Greg, Lisa (Michael) Aust, John; 16 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Ronald Deck; sister-in-laws, Betty Kretz, Mary Achter, Donna Achter, Diana Achter; son-in-law, Bruce Beach; daughter-in-law, Cindy.

Visitation will be held at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo, OH, on Sunday, January 8, 2023, from 3-6 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday, January 9, 2023, from 10:30-11 a.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church, 5522 Dorr St., Toledo. A funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Otterbein Sunset House at 4020 Indian Rd.,Toledo, OH 43606, or Little Flower Catholic Church in Ellie’s memory.