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Obituary
Leah Belle (Gretzler) Fulton of Tacoma, Washington passed away on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025. Born on November 25th, 1939 in Monroe, Michigan, she was the daughter of Ernest Gretzler and Helen (Kemp) Gretzler.
Leah attended Ash Center Elementary School, a one-room schoolhouse, until transferring to Monroe High School, where she graduated in 1958. She majored in Music at the University of Michigan, where she was the first chair violinist from her freshman year forward. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a double major in Music and Education.
Fresh out of undergraduate school and coming from a family of teachers, Leah stretched her wings and taught high school music in Rochester, Minnesota. But, discovered winters there are even harsher and moved back to Michigan where she taught band and orchestra in the Monroe Public Schools for several years, before she switched to elementary teaching. While teaching, she continued her education and earned her Master of Education from Eastern Michigan University.
Leah made Chicago her home in the late 1960s. In 1973 Leah and her daughter Julie (and an ever-present houseful of dogs) moved into a huge upper-level condo in Hyde Park. The halls were so long and wide, Julie would ride her bike through them. Hyde Park is a diverse neighborhood, with lots of music and art, parks and a wide variety of schools and educational opportunities; environments to stimulate both of them.
Leah was a beloved educator in the Chicago Public School system for many years. Throughout her career, she shared her deep love for language, reading, and Music with hundreds of students-many of whom had never encountered such passion before. Her dedication inspired not only her students, but also her daughter, Julie, who followed in her mother's footsteps to become an educator herself.
Leah's compassion extended well beyond the classroom. Leah was a constant presence in Hyde Park, always giving, always loving. She was a steady source of support for her family, often offering her time, resources, and home to nieces, nephews, and in-laws facing hardship. Whether it was opening her doors to those in need, treating loved ones to a meal, or taking them shopping for necessities, Leah gave selflessly- never expecting anything in return.
Leah had an innate musical talent. She had perfect pitch and could play just about any instrument she picked up within just a few minutes. Leah had the responsibility of playing Christmas carols on the piano (by ear) for the family's annual Christmas Sing and Rhythm Band, which occasionally got pretty rowdy.
In 2011 Leah and Julie moved to Tacoma, Washington to get some relief from the harsh Chicago winters. Over time, Leah experienced increasing difficulty with mobility, requiring in-home assistance when Julie was at work. For several months prior to her death Leah resided at Young House Adult Family Home in Spanaway, Washington, where she received excellent care, enjoyed her fellow residents and became a much loved friend.
Leah is preceded in death by her husband, the love of her life, Kenneth Lyge Fulton, who died February 15th, 1968 in Viet Nam. Their time together was brief, but their bond was unbreakable. Despite the loss, Leah's love for Kenneth never wavered over the following fifty-seven years.
Leah is also preceded in death by her parents, Ernest Franklin Gretzler and Helen Clara (Kemp) Gretzler, and her sister Mary (Gretzler) Lassey. Leah is survived by her daughter, Julie (Sylvia) Fulton-Huerta, her sisters Alice Gretzler Harwood and Cathy Gretzler Johnson, and her beloved dog, Milo. Today, while we mourn Leah's passing, we take comfort in knowing that she is finally reunited with Kenneth. This time, their love story continues forever.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an Animal Welfare Organization of your choice.
