Margaret G. Detwiler

Margaret Gratz Detwiler, 94, of Toledo, Ohio passed away on Tuesday, September 30, 2014. Born on July 30, 1920, in Bluffton, Ohio, she was the second of six children born to Homer and Edna Gratz. Margaret grew up in Bluffton on the Gratz family farm. Multi-talented and musically gifted, she "milked the cows in the morning" before going off to class carrying the cherished cello she loved to play in the orchestras of Bluffton High School and Bluffton College. Also well accomplished in piano and voice, she continued to perform in string quartets and choirs throughout her long life. While attending Bluffton College, Margaret met and married Paul Detwiler of Souderton, PA. They began their lives together in Bluffton where Paul owned the Hy-Grade Dairy. Six years later, Paul's new job as a reporter for Dunn & Bradstreet took them to Toledo. Margaret and Paul had five children who on a daily basis tested her many talents, particularly those for sewing and cooking. She was especially well known for her ability to produce delicious meals for a family of seven on a very modest budget. After her children were grown, Margaret joined the workforce. She held a number of jobs, including caring for children, aiding the teachers of Toledo Public Schools, and providing secretarial services for Prescott Ball & Turben, Paul's brokerage office, until she retired in 2006. Margaret's activities centered largely around Ashland Avenue Baptist Church which she and Paul joined in 1949. She was a member of the church's Chancel Choir, the Bell Choir, the orchestra, and the Women's Quilters Group. An avid Scrabble player, she particularly enjoyed her weekly scrabble games with Dell Shearman, her long-time friend. Always caring and doing for others, her happiest moments were spent with family, surrounded by her grandchildren, at their annual summer excursion to Camp Friedenswald in Michigan. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, her eldest son, David, daughter-in-law, Anne, brothers Donavin, Russell, Homer Jr., and sister Kathleen. She is survived by David's wife, Elsie Detwiler of Deland, FL, sons and daughter-in-laws Tom (Carol Jean) Detwiler of Minster, OH, son Jim (Kathy) Detwiler of Perrysburg, OH, and daughters and sons-in-law Carol (Bill) Connelly of Perrysburg, OH, Connie (Greg) McBroome of Parker, CO, and sister Joan (Arden) Slotter of Highlands Ranch, CO. Also surviving are her15 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren who adored her and were devoted to her. Margaret's final years were spent at the Sunset Village Retirement Community in Sylvania, OH. Her family would like to sincerely thank the care-givers and nurses at Overmyer Court and Ashanti Hospice for their insight, devoted care, and loving support. The family will receive friends at Ashland Church located at 2350 Starr Avenue, Oregon, OH, on October 11, 2014, at 1:00 pm, followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Ashland Church Trust Fund, 2350 Starr Avenue, Oregon, OH, 43616. Please view and sign Margaret's condolence page at berstickerscottfuneralhome.com. Arrangements made by Bersticker-Scott Funeral Home.

Visitation Details

Saturday, October 11th, 2014 1:00pm - 2:00pm, Ashland Church

Service Information

Saturday, October 11th, 2014, Ashland Church