Gretchen Gotthart Skeldon

Genuine and kind, brilliant and beautiful, Gretchen Gotthart Skeldon touched the hearts of countless individuals with her generous service to others, devotion to family, loyal friendships and dedication to her work. She went to be with the Lord on February 17, 2010. She was born August 24, 1962, the third of Bill & Martha Gotthart's four children and lived in the Blessed Sacrament neighborhood of West Toledo. A graduate of The University of Toledo College of Business, she was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority and Blue Key Honor Society. Gretchen met her husband Phil Skeldon at a bible study class. Their faith in God and service to others became a bond that led to their marriage November 25, 2000. They were blessed with a daughter, Lilian Dean in 2004. Gretchen and Phil were happiest when they were at home with their little family. They both had lovely singing voices and they were a favorite choice locally for wedding masses as well as Toledo Rep and community theatre performances. A valued executive at Libbey Inc. for over 22 years, Gretchen served as Retail National Sales Manager, since 2007, with direct sales responsibility for key accounts, and leading a team of Retail Territory Managers in portions of the U.S. and Canada. She viewed her work purpose as achieving high performance, developing her sales associates, leading by example, and bringing Christ into the workplace. Gretchen strived to be an example of how faith and hope are keys to success, known for her passion for life, and performing her work with excellence. Gretchen was named a "Sales Leader" six times in her career, and is a member of the distinguished Edward Drummond Libbey Sales Award Club. Nicknamed by her peers as the "Princess of Glassware" Gretchen was well respected in the tableware glassware industry, developed outstanding customer relationships, and was a respected "ambassador" for Libbey Glass. Under her leadership, Libbey was recognized by many retailers with Supplier of The Year Awards. Gretchen was generous with her time and was an active volunteer with the Make A Wish Foundation where she cherished the smiles of her many "wish kids." She was a strong activist for Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the 2003 Northwest Ohio Race for the Cure was named in her honor. A devout Catholic, Gretchen was a member of the Blessed Sacrament Liturgy committee as well as a choir member for over 25 years. Her hobbies included shopping, scrap booking, time with friends and family and relaxing at the family cottage. She was an excellent cook and baker. Her chocolate chip cookies were amazing. Gretchen was preceded in death by her parents Bill & Martha Gotthart and in-laws Philip & Bernadine Skeldon and her cousin Dan Zebarah. She is survived by her beloved husband Phil Skeldon, daughter Lilian Dean, sister Missy (John) Holden and their children Jack & Mackenzie, sister Casey (John) Schreiner, brother, Bill Gotthart, and special friend JoAnn McKelvey. She was loved as a sister-in-law & aunt to countless nieces and nephews and many, many friends. As a last act of selflessness and generosity Gretchen donated her remains to the UT Medical Center for research purposes. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Gretchen's name to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Make-A- Wish Foundation or the Blessed Sacrament School building fund. Special thanks to St. John's Jesuit High School and Libbey, Inc. for their love and support. Also thanks to all medical staff that cared for Gretchen at St. Luke's Hospital, Kingston of Sylvania, UTMC and Hospice of NW Ohio. Friends and family may visit on Saturday February 20, from 4-8 p.m. and Sunday February 21, from 2-8 p.m. at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd. with a rosary service to begin at 7 p.m. A Memorial Mass will take place on Monday, February 22, 11 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

Gretchen Gotthart Skeldon

August 24, 1962 - February 17, 2010