Ila L. Otermat

Warsaw, Indiana resident, Ila L. Otermat, 99, formerly of Fremont, Ohio died at her daughter's home in Warsaw Wednesday morning, February 29, 2012. Born January 29, 1913 to Alvin A. and Orra J. (Green) Gracemyer. She was a clerk for 12 years in the Recorder's Office under Florence Brown and later Marian Stokes. She retired in January 1980. Four months later she began working part-time in the Board of Elections for one year and was then elected the first woman in Sandusky County as a member of the Board of Elections. She was a life-long Republican and received many certificates for her work in the party. She helped in electing many Republicans to office. She was a Central Committee person for more than 16 years and a poll worker for over 30 years. She loved music and began singing in choirs when she was 4 years old. She sang in choirs at Hayes Methodist, St. John Lutheran for over 50 years and St. Paul's in Clyde, OH. She also sang 3 years in the Toledo Symphony Choral under many great conductors. She married Orvil Otermat June 1, 1935 in Fort Wayne, IN. He passed July 1965. She has 3 children: Larry Otermat (Ginny), Ashland, OH, Robert Otermat of Warsaw, IN and Cheryl Otermat of Warsaw, IN and two beloved granddaughters, Megan and Gretchen Otermat. She was preceded in death by her husband, Orvil; sisters, Florence Abney and Mildred Donaldson. She was also preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Kyle. Visitation will be on Monday, March 5, 2012 from 9-11 a.m. at the St. John's Lutheran Church, Fremont. Services will be held at 11 a.m. at the Church with Pastor Joseph Lees and Pastor EJ Underwood. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Abigail Circle @ St. John's Lutheran Church, Fremont in Ila's memory.