Elaine R. "Herhold" Grettler

Elaine Rose Grettler, 92, of Girard, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at St. Mary's Asbury, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born June 3, 1933, the daughter of the late Julius and Rose (Enssley) Herhold.

Elaine graduated from Rice Avenue Union High School. She married her high school sweetheart, LaVern "Vern" Grettler, on August 10, 1952, and together they began building a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. They then built their dream home and as their family grew, Elaine lovingly embraced her role as homemaker in their new home.

A skilled seamstress, she hand-made her children's clothes and carefully mended for her family. In quiet hours, she enjoyed knitting. During the summer months, she cultivated beautiful flower gardens with roses prominently displayed and maintained a large vegetable garden. At harvest time, she canned and froze an abundance of food. Together, she and Vern lived a life that was, in many ways, self-sufficient and deeply rewarding.

As her children grew older, Elaine began working for the Girard School District, serving at Battles Memorial, Rice Avenue Union, and concluding her career at Elk Valley Elementary. For many years, she was the head cook of the cafeteria, lovingly feeding hundreds of children.

Elaine's husband, children, and grandchildren were the center of her world. Weekends were often filled with the laughter of grandchildren playing while Elaine shared stories and smiles. She was especially known for her homemade pies and rolls, baked from scratch and enjoyed by all.

Elaine was a devoted woman of faith and a longtime member of St. James Lutheran Church, where she helped in any way she was able. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Richard Herhold, Robert Herhold, and Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Herhold.

She will be greatly missed by her loving family, including her husband of 73 years, LaVern Grettler; her daughter, Deborah Lance (Ronald); her sons, Barry Grettler (Debbie) and Rodney Grettler (Rosanne); her grandchildren, Michael Grettler (Erin), Nicholas Grettler, Christopher Grettler (Whitney), Patrick Grettler, Shawn Grettler, Gia Grettler, Diora Grettler, Cory Lance, and Stephen Lance; nine great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. James Lutheran Church, 6851 Old Ridge Road, Fairview, PA 16415.

Friends may call on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. at Edder Family Funeral Home, 309 Main St. E., Girard. Burial will follow at Girard Cemetery.