Faith B. Ebert

Faith B. Ebert (nee Barthel)

Born on May 14, 1932 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, daughter of devoted, loving parents, Lydia and Elmer Barthel. Faith adored her brothers Frederick “Fritz” and John. The family moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where Faith attended Hartwell School for elementary years and attended Hughes High School.

Faith attended Valparaiso University. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. After graduating from Valparaiso, she began her teaching career in Viroqua, Wisconsin.

She married her beloved Herb Ebert (deceased 2009) on August 11, 1956 in Cincinnati, Ohio. They lived in Buffalo, NY; Joliet, IL; Vandalia, OH; and Rochester, MI before returning to the Cincinnati area. They had three daughters: Natalie Reder (Dave), Kathryn Boyd (David) and Carla Larson (John). Her family is blessed with three grandchildren: Brandon (Alyssa) Reder, Brigit Reder and Joshua Boyd; and one great grandchild: John Patrick Reder.

Faith’s teaching career spanned over 45 years including The Lutheran High School Association of Greater Detroit. She taught Biology, English, Art, World History and Social Studies. Following her retirement from teaching she and Herb were active members of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Cincinnati, Ohio. They enjoyed singing in the church choir, playing in the handbell choir – and Faith was thrilled to direct the choirs as well.

The Lutheran High School Association has a motto, “Keep FAITH with Our Youth.” Faith exemplified this as a Christian educator and witness throughout her years of teaching, directing and service to the church and community. She blessed the lives of many students and individuals along her path. She was a strong, steadfast, and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt to those who loved her. Today, we celebrate Faith and her eternal reunion with her beloved ‘Herbie’ in Heaven.

When Herb and Faith decided to retire and move to Cincinnati, who would have thought they would enjoy so many more years of music and fellowship. Faith stepped into her music role as choir and hand bell director. The choirs sang and played not only at church but around the area at nursing homes and programs.

In her spare time Faith would be found active with the Lutheran Federation of Churches events and working to prepare the programs for the joint Reformation Service. She enjoyed time with the ladies in the Women’s Guild and retreats, especially working the Christmas Bazaar and dinner.

Faith continued her teaching after retirement as a substitute in the Lakota junior and high schools. She taught for several more years as a ‘go to’ and regular teacher for many who loved her work. Students would see her outside of school and hug her, thrilled to see her. She touched many lives.

One special event Faith got to experience was to participate in the rededication of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, one of Cincinnati’s first churches in the 1800. What made this so special was that this was the same church that Faith was baptized, confirmed, and where she was married. Such an amazing event.

Faith passed away on December 9, 2018 at the age of 86. Friends may call Saturday, December 15, 2018 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 5433 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio from 9am until 10:30am. A Funeral Service will take place at 11am. Condolences to hodappfuneral.com

Memorials may be made to:

-           The Faith Ebert Scholarship Fund, Lutheran High School Association of Greater Detroit, Rochester Hills, Michigan.

-           St. Paul Lutheran Church, Music Department, Cincinnati, Ohio.

-           Faith Ebert Fund, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana

Rest eternal grant her, O Lord;

And let light perpetual shine upon her.