Ethel Walker

OTTAWA -- Ethel Walker, 87, of Ottawa died 12:22 p.m. Saturday, December 15, 2018 at her residence with her loving family by her side.  She was born January 16, 1931 and was one of eleven children of the late Harry and Odelia (Warnecke) Meyer.  On April 13, 1955 she married Thomas V. Walker, who preceded her in death on July 9, 1988.

Ethel is survived by 4 children:  Kathy (Leroy) Schnipke, Steven (Barb) Walker and Karen Deters, all of Ottawa and Dan Walker of Findlay; daughter-in-law:  Kay Warren of Ottawa; 15 grandchildren: Matt (Katie) Walker, Bryan (Heather)Walker, Allie (Matt) Rosebrock, Jessica (Chris) George, Jennifer Reed, Kurt (Heather) Walker, Josh (Gabi) Walker, Breanne Walker, Stacy (fiancé Jace Fugate) Walker, Lindsay (Tyler) Schroeder, Stephanie Deters, Tyler Deters, Catherine Walker, Nick Walker and Nathan Walker; 15 great-grandchildren; 6 sisters:  Mary Florence Wischmeyer, Pat Hohenbrink, Janice (Frank) Niese, Helen Diemer, Marlene (Gene) Looser and Diane (Leon) Warnecke; 2 sisters-in-law:  Betty Felter and Joyce Warnimont and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by a son:  Mike Walker; son-in-law: Denny Deters; Great-grandson:  Collin George; sister: Dolores German; and 3 brothers:  Virgil, Eugene and George Meyer.

Ethel was a 1949 graduate of Sts. Peter and Paul High School, where she was the Salutatorian of her class.  Her first job was for Everett Schmenk Insurance, then Colonial Finance in Lima, then in 1962 she started with The Ottawa Home and Savings, which later became a part of The Ohio Bank.  She advanced through the ranks from teller to Vice President when she retired in 1991.  She then served as "Classic Club" advisor for Ohio Bank for over 10 years.  After that she volunteered at Ottawa Senior Center where she planned day trips for members.

She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa, where she served as a lector for a number of years.  She then served as the Secretary/Treasurer for the Cemetery Committee for 16 years.  Also a life member of the Ottawa VFW and American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.  She was a past member of the Ottawa Kiwanis and Chamber of Commerce (Secretary of the Downtown Ottawa Committee).  She was elected to the Ottawa Village Charter Commission, where she served for a number of years.

The family would like to thank Dr. Salani and the staff at The James Cancer Center and The Ohio State University Medical Center, as well as the staff of Putnam County Hospice.

Per Ethel's wishes, there will be no visitation.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, with Father Rick Friebel officiating.  Burial will follow in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery.  Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Her Life following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Putnam County Hospice or the Sts. Peter and Paul School Building Fund.

Putnam County Hospice
575 OG Road Suite 3, PO Box 312, Ottawa OH 45875

Sts. Peter and Paul Capital Campaign
307 N. Locust Street, Ottawa OH 45875