Elizabeth H Endres

Elizabeth Endres passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025, at the remarkable age of 100. Born August 7, 1924, in Rheine in Westphalia, Germany, Elizabeth emigrated to the United States with her family at the age of three, beginning a long and meaningful life rooted in love, service, and connection.

The beloved daughter of the late George and Anna Meyer, Elizabeth was the devoted wife of the late John Matthew Endres. Together, they built a welcoming home and raised seven children: Cheryl Endres, Joan (Gene) Jessee, Debbe Endres, Pamela (Paul) Kennedy, Jay (Patty) Endres, Michelle (Jerome) Laux, and Jeffrey (Christina) Endres. She is also lovingly remembered by her 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, all of whom she cherished dearly.

A fluent speaker of both German and English, Elizabeth never forgot her roots. She met John at a picnic and dance at Steuben Park, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in compassion. In the years following World War II, Elizabeth and John opened their home in Cincinnati to displaced family, helping them learn English and find stability, often including employment at John’s tool and die company. With determination and advocacy, they helped secure safe passage to the U.S. for John’s relatives in Germany and Romania, working with U.S. senators Robert Taft Sr., and Robert Taft Jr., a Romanian ambassador, and even U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger to reunite the families and offer them new beginnings. They also welcomed a German exchange student into their home, embracing her as part of the family during her yearlong stay.

Elizabeth’s life was rich with joy and generosity. An accomplished seamstress, she enjoyed creating clothes for her daughters and showcasing these handmade outfits in fashion shows. Her hands were rarely still—she crocheted more than 100 afghans for loved ones and charitable causes, each stitch a symbol of her thoughtfulness. She also modeled and did commentating for McAlpin’s department store and enjoyed sharing her heritage by teaching German at a grandchild’s school.

An avid traveler, Elizabeth visited Hawaii, Europe, the Middle East, and China. She delighted in new experiences but treasured her time at home even more, especially at the family’s cherished second home on Lake Lorelei. There, she entertained friends and embraced every opportunity to bring her family together.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. A long-standing member of Nativity parish, Elizabeth served as president of St. Ann’s and Mercy League (twice each), vice president for 16 years, and was a Eucharistic Minister for 35 years. She also served as PTA president twice during her children’s school years. Her generosity extended beyond official roles—she offered a listening ear and sincere encouragement to everyone she met.

She played bridge well into her 90s, her sharp mind and enjoyment of the social scene always evident. She was a constant caregiver, including to her own mother, who lived with her for 24 years. And above all, she was a source of unconditional love. Family was everything to Elizabeth—the center of her universe.

Her family will forever remember her as incredibly kind, positive, and loyal. She was a light in the lives of so many, and her legacy of love will live on in all who had the honor to know her.

A celebration of Elizabeth’s life will be held on Monday, June 2nd at St. Susanna Church in Mason, Ohio. Visitation begins at 10:00 am, followed by a mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. A graveside prayer service will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery immediately afterward.

For those who wish to honor Elizabeth with a memorial contribution, the family suggests the Animal Friends Humane Society in Butler County, 1820 Princeton Road, Hamilton, OH 45011. www.animalfriends.org