Joretta Emily Ewald, 89, of Ann Arbor, MI, formerly of Ottawa and Naperville, passed away Friday evening on March 14, 2025 at Birchwood Gardens in Ann Arbor. Daughter and Son-in-Law, Lisa and Brian Kelley were by her side when God brought her to Heaven.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum in Oakwood Memorial Park, with Monsignor Mark Merdian, Pastor of Ottawa Catholic Parishes officiating. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. in the mausoleum. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Interment will follow and she will finally lay to rest in peace and joy forever!
Joretta was born on March 9, 1936 in Naplate, IL to Jimmy and Florence (Tonielli) Cheli. She grew up in the home of Casa Mia with her brother, Jim Cheli, Jr. She was a graduate of Marquette High School and attended Loretto Heights College in Denver, CO. Joretta married Dr. Richard Alexander Ewald on August 4, 1956 at St. Mary’s Church in Naplate. Joretta loved living and raising her children in Saratoga, CA until 1969 when they moved the family ‘back home’ to Ottawa.
She was a teacher’s aide and active volunteer & fundraiser at St. Columba and Marquette schools while her children attended. For many years after her children were grown, she worked part-time as a payroll administrator for her the Ewald/Wrobel dental office until retirement. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church, St. Columba Church, Ottawa Boat Club, and the Deer Park Country Club. Joretta was an excellent cook and enjoyed making traditional Italian recipes from family and favorites from friends. She enjoyed bridge, golf, puzzles/board games and any excuse to dress up for a fancy occasion! Joretta and her late husband loved to spend time at their condo in Chicago, traveling, exploring/patronizing many restaurants, and spending special time with their children, grandchildren, and greats!
Joretta moved to Naperville shortly after losing her husband, Richard, to be near daughter, Lynne. She lived there 7 years before moving to Michigan to be near daughter, Lisa Kelley. She was lovingly cared for in her last years and became more peaceful and graceful with each new day.
She is survived by three children, Lynne Gerding of Naperville, Lisa (Brian) Kelley of Ann Arbor, and Roger Ewald II, of St. Louis; five grandchildren Elizabeth (Rhys) Jones, Allison (Kevin) Kruger, Lauren (Boyar) Zekiri, Neal (Emma) Kelley, and Claire (Diana) Leon; eight great grandchildren; a brother Jim Cheli, Jr.; and ‘sister’, Bernie Eustice. She was a generous and fun-loving Mama/Mimi to her Children & Grands and a special Sis to her brother.
She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved son, Gregory Richard Ewald in 1985 and husband, in 2016.
Pallbearers will be nephews Vince Ewald, Mike Cheli, Kirk Cheli, Rhys Jones, and son-in-law Brian Kelley.
Memorials may be directed to St. Bede Academy, 24 W. Highway 6, Peru, IL 61354
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433