Obituary of Eleanora F. Detwiler

Eleanora Detwiler, of Douglassville, PA, age 104, died peacefully in her sleep early on Sunday, November 27 at Holly Manor in Mendham, NJ. Affectionately known by all who knew and loved her as "Auntie Ella", she will be dearly missed for her sweet smile and her indomitable spirit. Known for her unique blend of ingenuity, perseverance, and fierce independence, she will be best remembered for her roast beef, her stewed cabbage, her world-class rice pudding, and her signature greeting - "Howdy, Howdy!" Born Eleanora Frieda Fritsche on October 12, 1907 in Duquesne, PA, to Anna Marie and Arthur Fritsche, Ella spent her youth in the Pittsburgh area before moving to Philadelphia with her mother and her sister, Marie Carolyn (Fritsche) Lynch, in her early adulthood. Upon arriving in Philadelphia, she began a career as a telephone operator, first for the Bell System and then for the Federal Government. In 1941, she met married her husband of 44 years, Frank Detwiler, who passed away in 1985. In 1971, Auntie Ella moved with her husband and mother to Douglassville, PA to be closer to her only niece, Eleanor Ann (Lynch) Lentz, and her family. She lived and thrived in Douglassville until the age of 91. Because of infirmities, her remaining years were spent first at Atria Senior Living in Bethlehem, PA, then at Holly Manor in Mendham, NJ. Auntie Ella is survived by: her niece, Eleanor Ann (Lynch) Lentz; her great-nephews, John William Lentz Jr. and Jeffrey Stephen Lentz; her great-niece, Carol Lynn (Lentz) Hipsher; her great-great niece, Tracy Marie Lentz; and her great-great nephews, William Scott Lentz, and Tate William Hipsher. A private, graveside service will be held at Northwood Cemetery in Philadelphia in the near future. We love you, "Auntie Ella". www.baileyfuneralhomes.com