In Loving Memory

Eileen E. Kratz

Eileen E. Kratz, 89, of Akron passed away peacefully on January 27, 2006. She was born on September 2, 1916, in Akron. She was the daughter of Reuben and Fern Barnett, and was a lifetime resident of Akron.

Eileen was a graduate of East High School and the Hammel Actual Business College. In 1936, she began working as a bookkeeper for the Kratz Piano Company, and on July 17, 1948, she and John W. Kratz were married. She continued to work fulltime with her husband in running the business while also managing their home and raising their daughter. Upon her husband death in December, 1965, she became president of the family business and continued to operate it until her retirement. She served the community for over sixty years in musical instrument sales and her knowledge, fairness and easy going manner were always remarked upon and appreciated by her customers.

In spite of a busy lifestyle, Eileen always had time to listen to and try to find ways to help other people. Her caring and wisdom will be greatly missed. Her favorite hobbies included dabbling in real estate and caring for her pets. She was a member of the High Street Christian Church.

Preceded in death by her husband, John; parents; sister-in-law, Rena Barnett. She is survived by her daughter, Janice (Ken Witter); brother, Harold D. Barnett of Atwater; nephew Brent (Patricia) Barnett of Atwater; great nephews, Jason (Mendy) Barnett of Alliance and Jeffery Barnett of Suffield, as well as, step great and great-great nieces and nephews, and cousins. She also leaves behind wonderful friends Dennis and Cindy Eiland of Stow.

The funeral service will be Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at the Eckard Baldwin Sanctuary Chapel, 760 E. Market St. Interment at Glendale Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday from 6 to 8 P.m. at the funeral home.