Ethel L. Tomlin (nee Schnitzler) passed away Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at Independence Village, Avon Lake. She was born April 2, 1919 in Lakewood, Ohio. Prior to locating in Avon Lake, Ethel had been a resident in Largo and Seminole, Florida for 29 years but had spent most of her life in Avon.
She was an early member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Avon Lake and its Anna Circle. An active member of the Avon community, Ethel assumed the first presidency of the Avon Junior Women's Club, and she and her husband, Linus, were instrumental in the development of Avon Little League and Avon's kindergarten program. Ethel also worked with St.Mary's School to establish and run its school library. An antique enthusiast, she opened her shop, French Creek Collectibles, in the late 1970's and worked with other antique dealers in the area to begin the French Creek Association.
Ethel was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Linus W. Tomlin, in 1989; her parents, Sylvester and Louise Schnitzler; and her sisters, Marie Herbkersman and Blanche Bargdill.
She is lovingly survived by her sister, Grace Kelly of Pinellas Park, Florida; her four children: Thomas Tomlin (Cindy) of Avon; Patricia Wing (Joe) of Avon; Linda Tomlin-Brenner (Michael) of Elyria; and Lou Tomlin-King (Christopher King) of Columbus; 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Ethel's children have arranged for a memorial service on August 18, 2012 at 10am at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church at 32747 Lake Road in Avon Lake, Ohio 44012 during which they will celebrate the life of their mother, a woman who cherished her children and raised them with pride and more love than any children could hope to experience. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church. Arrangements by the Busch Funeral Home, Avon.