Elementary teacher held church posts

7/9/2008

Elizabeth Kridler Meloy, 90, a first grade teacher at Ottawa Hills Elementary School for 22 years who took leadership posts in her church for decades, died Sunday in Swan Creek Health Care Center from complications of dementia.

Formerly of Sylvania, Mrs. Meloy moved 15 years ago to Swan Creek Retirement Village. There she met the Rev. John Meloy, and they married in April, 2003.

She was Mrs. Kridler when she taught Ottawa Hills first graders from 1958 until retirement in 1980.

Early in her career, she taught in Wauseon.

"She always found it really challenging and gratifying, and she got a lot of kids off to a great start," her son, George Kridler, said. She knew that some students learned best when allowed to explore; others thrived with boundaries.

"Mom was amazing. She could manage the classroom of kids with all these different needs and provide for every one of them," her son said.

She was a graduate of DeVilbiss High School and the University of Toledo. In 1939, she was a delegate to the World Christian Youth Conference in Amsterdam.

At Collingwood Presbyterian Church, she was kindergarten superintendent. At Christ Presbyterian, she was an elder and deacon and led the pastor nominating committee.

She was active in women's organizations for years, and in retirement she traveled widely.

"I would call Betty extremely organized, but always gracious - very much of the time when everything was done properly," her daughter-in-law, Louise Zwayer, said. "She set a wonderful table, always wanted everything to be planned ahead and beautiful. She took pride in her home."

She and her first husband, George, married in December, 1941. He died in April, 1979.

Surviving are her husband, the Rev. John Meloy; daughters, Katharine Kunst and Barbara Kehn; son, George Kridler; seven grandchildren, and a great-grandson.

At Mrs. Meloy's request, her body was donated to the University of Toledo Medical Center.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. July 26 at Swan Creek Retirement Village.

The family suggests tributes to the Life Care Fund at Swan Creek.