Obituary of Ada Gertrude Gratz

Ada Gertrude Gratz, passed away peacefully in Puyallup, WA on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at the age of ninety-two in the company of daughter-in-law Patty Gratz and granddaughter Kati Gratz. Ada Gertrude Maurer was born to Fred & Ada Maurer on June 8, 1930, at the family farm near Parshall, North Dakota. Ada was one of nine siblings. She spent many, many hours at her mother’s side learning to cook and bake, which was a lifelong hobby, that she lovingly shared with family and friends.

She graduated from Parshall High school in 1948. Then one fateful day Ada was strolling down the street in Parshall when Jacob (Jack) Gratz noticed her, asked her to a barn dance, and they began a loving relationship that spanned over 50 years.

Ada and Jack were married Aug. 8, 1950, in Parshall, raised three sons together, and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2000. They moved from North Dakota to Tacoma, WA in 1954, and then to Puyallup in 1964, where they owned an adjacent trailer court. She had a beautiful home where she enjoyed baking, tending to her flowers, and running herd over her three boys and husband. Ada was employed for over 31 years at American Biscuit Co (Interbake Foods). Every week she brought home huge bags of imperfect cookies, which were extremely popular with her three sons, and their many friends, which led to the question, “Who drank 5 gallons of milk?” She really enjoyed her 33 plus years of involvement with the local Salvation Army (Senior Volunteer group) South Hill Chapter, including a long stint on the Board. She was also involved with the Children’s Home Society for many years. Ada loved family, was known for her cooking and baking ability (especially her banana bread), and she loved hosting family get togethers during the holidays every year. Friends who did not have a place to go for the holidays always had a seat at her table. She was a loving and generous wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother who would do anything for her family and friends. She was loved by those who knew her and left a mark on everyone she met.

She is survived by her three sons, DuWayne Gratz (Sonya), Pacific, WA., Lonnie Gratz (Patricia), Puyallup, WA., and Daryl Gratz, Puyallup, WA.; grandchildren: Kati, Jennifer, Megan, Garrett, Holly, Jonathan, Rachelle, Ashley, and Taylor, 13 great grandchildren and one remaining sibling Rudolph Maurer, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and the many friends who she dearly loved. Her niece Linda Howard and daughter-in-law Patty Gratz both held very special places in her heart. Many thanks to everyone at Kings Manor Assisted Living (Tacoma) where she lived prior to recently relocating to Cardinals Cottage Adult Family Home (Puyallup) where she was lovingly cared for during her final days. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack; parents Fred and Ada; and her siblings, Romona, Russell, Roy, Harold, Lucille, Arnold, Fred, and Evelyn. Three words sum up her life: Kind, Caring, and Generous. Ada will be forever missed and was dearly loved by her family and friends.

Please consider a donation to the Salvation Army or to Parkinson’s research in lieu of flowers.

After the service there will be a graveside service at Woodbine Cemetery, and then a reception at the home of Lonnie and Patty Gratz in Puyallup.