Gloria W. Demeritt

Gloria W. DeMeritt, age 98, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Born on October 3, 1926, in Hillsdale, Michigan, to Marvin and Florence Kroh, Gloria graduated from Clinton High School and went on to lead a life filled with love, laughter, and lasting friendships.

On June 1, 1945, Gloria married the love of her life, Wallace “Wally” DeMeritt. They shared 56 wonderful years together until his passing in 2001. Gloria and Wally were inseparable, known for their matching outfits (unless she was wearing purple), and a shared zest for life. Together, they enjoyed countless adventures at their beloved cottage on Mullet Lake and winters in Florida in their “Silver Bullet.” They volunteered at the Jamie Farr Golf Tournament, rode bikes, golfed, and made cherished memories playing Greedy and Yahtzee with their grandchildren.

Gloria worked for over 30 years in the payroll department at Owens-Illinois, where she made many lifelong friends. She was a dedicated employee and a loyal friend, known for her warm and inquisitive nature. If you met Gloria, you could be sure she would take an interest in your life and remember every detail.

She was a nurturing and vibrant woman who loved her family fiercely. A talented cook and baker, Gloria was famous for hosting family dinners and for her homemade pies and desserts. She never sat idle—always crocheting afghans and hand towels for friends and family. Her home and heart were always open, and her generosity was boundless. She was deeply engaged with the world around her and was a devoted fan of the Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Tigers, and Detroit Red Wings.

Gloria will be remembered for her homemade creations, her signature red door perfume, always having her nails painted and wearing heels, and her remarkable memory and sharp wit. She never missed an academic or athletic event for her grandchildren and she continued to attend her great-grandchildren’s events until recent years when she was limited by her mobility.

Above all, Gloria was selfless, kind, and full of life. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Palmer Kroh; her beloved husband, Wally; and son-in-law, David Cole. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Deanna Cole and Candace (Sandy) Schultz; her grandchildren, Nicole Shadle, Mark (Danielle) Cole, and Dustin (Molly) Schultz; and her great-grandchildren, Andrew, Brenden, and Allison Shadle, Danica and Brooklyn Cole, and Emma and Charles Schultz.

The family would like to thank the nurses and aides at Kingston of Sylvania for their loving care over the past few years.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, Sylvania Avenue, Toledo. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Faith United Lutheran Church, Toledo.

In honoring Gloria’s life, may we carry forward her legacy of love, compassion, and dedication to family.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Ohio Living Home Health and Hospice.