Deloris Ertle

Born on October 18, 1947, in Canton, Ohio, Deloris Ertle, lovingly known as Dee, was not just a legend — she was a force of nature. With a wit sharper than a tack and a heart bigger than her love for Walmart, Dee was the definition of perseverance wrapped in humor. 

She started her career at Disneyland and moved up to I.M. Good and Hickory Harvest, where her colleagues adored her and likely gave her honorary titles like “Best Boss Ever” — even if she wasn’t technically the boss. A proud attendee of Lakeside Assembly of God in Shelby Township, Michigan, Dee found peace in her faith, and, well, also in her favorite shopping spots. She was the epitome of resilience, especially when it came to battling health challenges. Ten years of kidney dialysis? No problem. She didn’t just survive; she thrived, making friends with everyone from the staff at her dialysis unit to the folks at the local transportation company. Dee was the Energizer Bunny of health battles, constantly needing bubble wrap for her frequent trips — literally — to the hospital aboard the S.S. Royal Oak Beaumont, where she was the VIP guest of honor. When she wasn’t cruising to the hospital or squeezing in a visit to the cardiac cath lab (seriously, was there a frequent flyer program?), she was at home relaxing with her family and her trusty sidekick, Charlie the cat. 

Dee was the undisputed queen of the kitchen, a Bingo champion (if you didn’t know, now you do), and a shopping legend. Walmart? She practically lived there. QVC? They should have given her a loyalty card. And let’s not forget Culver’s — she wasn’t just a fan, she was the #1 fan, and everyone knew it. But her true superpower? Sending cards and Facebook reels. Dee sent more cards and reels than Hallmark, spreading joy and warmth to friends and family like an emoji-filled care package before emojis were even a thing. And let’s talk about her wheelchair dancing skills — Dee wasn’t just the life of the party, she was the soul of the party. If you were lucky enough to see her at the Women’s Encounter, you’d know what we’re talking about. Above all, Dee was a phenomenal mom and the best friend anyone could ask for. 

She leaves behind a family that’s better for having known her, including her children Ronald (Melissa) Risher, Ronald (Lynn) Ertle, Michael (Heather) Ertle, Shannon Newman, and Melissa (Stephen) Barney as well as her sister Debbie Smith and niece Donna Davis. She also blessed the world with a whole bunch of amazing grandkids who probably inherited her wit and love for Bingo. Her great-grandchildren will forever remember her sparkle and joy. 

Dee is now reunited with those who went before her, including her parents, Charles and Blanche Raymond, her sister, Darlene Cottrell, her husband, Ronald Ertle Sr., and her beloved children, Jeffrey Risher Sr. and Christie Ertle, plus grandkids Misty Cornelius and Ashley Risher. 

She’s left a legacy that will be hard to top, but we’re all going to try to carry it on with as much humor, love, and Culver’s fish dinners as we can handle. The family will receive friends at10:00 a.m. with a Celebration of Dee’s incredible life will take place on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Paquelet-Falk Funeral Home in Louisville, Ohio. Dee’s life was a beautiful tapestry of strength, laughter, and endless love. She’ll be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her — and let’s be honest, we were all lucky to be on her card and reels list. Condolences and special memories of Dee can be shared with her family online at www.paqueletfalk.com