Alma Grace Erler

Grace completed her earthly journey July 23, 2018 to rest peacefully in the Lord's tender and loving arms. Grace was born in 1926 in Bowling Green, Ohio to Harry and Ruth Stout and was preceded in death by her husband John in 2003. In 1945 she graduated from Bowling Green High School where her father taught chemistry and coached sports. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree from Trinity College, London and a master's degree from Union Theological Seminary, New York City with a graduate degree in sacred music. Grace married John Frederick Erler in 1948.

Grace never lost her passion for music. After returning from New York, she was the organist and choir director at First Baptist, St Marks Episcopal and Epworth Methodist churches in Toledo and taught the choral program at Northview High School. Throughout her career she was well known for her involvement in many of Toledo's musical programs. Teaching music to children and young adults was one of her great passions. Musical productions as well as her student's performances and recitals were always exciting times for her. She continued teaching piano in her home bringing the gift of music to many young people until moving to Arizona in 2016. These students and their families remained some of Grace's fondest memories to the very end of her life.

Grace was a member of the American Guild of Organists, the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs, Ohio Music Teachers Association, Monday Musical, and the Toledo Piano Teacher's Association.
Grace will be missed by her family and an enormous circle of friends. She leaves four children, Jon Mark (Linda), Karli Ann, William Frederick (Cynthia) and Carolyn Ruth; 4 grand children and 5 great grand children.

The family expresses gratitude to Joanne, Marlene, Julie, the staff at Scottsdale Village Square and Hospice of the Valley (Phoenix) who cared for Grace in her final years with much love and kindness. Also special thanks to the loyal families who were such amazing supporters of Grace in her final days of teaching.

A memorial will be held at First Baptist Church of Greater Toledo, 6520 Pilliod Rd, Holland, OH 43528 Saturday, August 18th gathering at 10AM, service at 10:30 followed by food and fellowship. Donations in memory of Grace to provide scholarship support to local young musicians may be made to the Toledo School for the Arts at ts4arts.org or Monday Musicale of Toledo sent to Karen Johnston, 3540 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo, OH 43623

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