Vera Kathryn Gratz Core died at 12:10 a.m., July 9, 2014, at the Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton. She was born on June 5, 1917, in Bluffton to the late Ernest and Lena Boegli Gratz. On Nov. 28, 1937 she was married to George Richard Core who died Feb. 24, 1997.
Mrs. Gratz attended Gratz School and graduated from Bluffton High School in 1935. She started her work career at Triplett Electric, Waltermire's, Charles Co., Loofborrow Rexall Drug Store, Bluffton-Richland Public Library, The Bluffton News, Bluffton College Bookstore and retired as director of Bluffton Senior Citizens.
She spent 14 years in Arizona where she spent a number of years as Activity Director at Park Place East in Apache Junction, Ariz., returning back to Bluffton in 1995. She was a life member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ, Bluffton and a member of the Bluffton Senior Citizens.
She is survived by four children, Linda (Bill) Kramer of Lakeview, Larry (Ellen) Core of Bluffton, Louise (Richard) Morvay of Irmo, S.C., Loren Core of Duffield, Vt., 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, sister in law, Lenore Gratz of Columbus Grove, special niece, Mary K. Gratz Carrier of Sandusky, as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a grandson, Joseph Allen Myers and five brothers, Leonard, Reno, Francis, Kenneth and Wilford "Bus" Gratz.
Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. Monday at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Bluffton. William Herr will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton. Visitation will be Monday 11 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel United Church of Christ or Mennonite Memorial Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
