Ada Elizabeth Traeger

Ada E. Traeger, 97, passed away peacefully at home on April 9. She remained independent and fully engaged with life to the very end. She was an exceptionally good listener who cared deeply about others. A child of the Great Depression, Ada had grit as well as grace, a combination that carried her through life's challenges with quiet courage and an irrepressible sense of humor.
Ada was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Myrlin "Buck" Traeger; her brother, Anthony "Fritz" Hillebrand; and two sons-in-law, Tom Hills and Charles Hufford Jr.
Ada took her first job at 16, working as a switchboard operator when telephone technology was new. After graduating from Ahrens Trade High School, she became a secretary at the phone company. She later devoted herself to raising her three daughters and became a founding member of St. Martha Catholic Church.
In the 1980s, Ada taught herself computer skills, reentered the workforce and eventually became an executive administrative assistant at Frazier Rehab. After retiring, she stayed busy – traveling, helping with grandchildren and volunteering at Sacred Heart Village.
For the last decade, she presided over the family's weekly potluck -- affectionately known as "Guacamole," a word shouted whenever someone retells a well-worn family story. More than anything, Ada taught her family the value of togetherness, to be constant and kind, and to keep the peace. She was the voice of wisdom and a guiding light of faith, love and quiet strength to four generations.
Ada is survived by three daughters: Diane Hufford, Carol Hills and Mary Pat Nimon (Scott); eight grandchildren: Charles Hufford III (Rusti), Jason Hufford (Gina), Justin Hufford (Deanna), Michael Hufford (Andi), Philip Hills (Michelle), Melodie Davenport (Derek), Rebecca Reeves (Brandon) and Andrew Nimon (Shelby); and 14 great grandchildren.
Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday at St. Martha Catholic Church 3825 Klondike Lane with burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Sunday at Ratterman & Sons Funeral Home 3800 Bardstown Road with a prayer service and sharing of memories to be held from 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Memorial gifts may be made to Turner Syndrome Society of the United States 12620 FM 1960 W Rd Suite A4 #210, Houston, TX 77065 To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ada, please visit our floral store.