Virginia "Ginny" Fretz

SILVER LAKE -- On February 2, Virginia, "Ginny" Fretz, 94, passed into the arms of her loving Savior, joining her husband George, who died in 2010.

Born in Cleveland on June 6, 1918, she moved to Silver Lake at age 12 and lived there ever since. Her kind and gentle spirit touched so many lives - her extended family, many circles of friends, and fellow members at Redeemer Lutheran Church, where she lived out her life of faith, inspiring four generations for nearly 60 years.

Preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Lydia Spielman; and sisters, Georgene and Elizabeth; she is survived by her brother, Roy Spielman (Connie) of Claremont, Calif.; sons, George (Margot) of Silver Lake, Robert (Nancy) of St. Paul, MN, and James (Mary Helen) of McAllen, Texas; and daughter, Katherine McDowell of Longmont, Colo. Her love for them was exceeded only by her love for her eleven grandchildren, - Virginia, Mark, Paul, Katherine, Jacob, Rebekah, Elizabeth, Mary, Rachel, Sarah, David and step-grandson, Jasen Alvarez. She was equally proud of her five great-grandchildren, - John, Jacob, Adeline, Silas and Eli.

Family and friends will gather at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2141 5th Street in Cuyahoga Falls to celebrate her life on Saturday, February 9, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Keith Johnson officiating. Calling hours will take place from 9:30 to 11 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park. Those wishing to donate may contribute to the George and Ginny Fretz memorial fund at Redeemer Lutheran Church.

The family wishes to thank her caregivers at Emeritus of Stow and Crossroads Hospice for their kind help during her final days.