Louella M. Ertter

Louella Margaret (Amtower) Ertter of Laurel, Maryland died peacefully at home surrounded by her children on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. She was born on Tuesday, October 13, 1931 in Cumberland to Paul and Margaret Amtower.

She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother to 7, grandmother to 10, great grandmother to 4.  She loved art, books, music, animals, and especially children.  Spring was her favorite time of year and the beach was her favorite place to be.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Jim, and youngest son Timmy, whom she called out for in her last days.  She is survived by sons Ken, Keith, Gary, Bruce, and daughters Cecelia and Lisa; grandsons David, Allen, Rich, Ben, Joel, Philip, Sam, Jonah and granddaughters Amanda and Cindy; great grandchildren Christopher, Zoie, Jaxson and Teagan. She is also survived by her sister, Paulette, and several treasured cousins and friends.

Louella, named after Louella butter, was born in a railroad and industrial town during the depression era, and lived her early years with her father, mother, grandmother and 3 aunts.  As a young girl, she spent many happy Sundays visiting her mother’s family farm in Hyndman, Pennsylvania, not far from Cumberland.  She had fond memories of her grandmother cooking apple butter in a huge iron kettle over a fire.  She always had friends and cousins with whom to play.  She enjoyed wonderful music and drama programs at school. 

When she was 10, her family moved to Washington, D.C. and at 12, she got the wonderful gift of a sister.  After graduating from Theodore Roosevelt High School, Louella worked at the Library of Congress until she married Jim.  Then she had 6 children in 9 years and went back to work outside of the home!  She retired at the end of 1988, after 28 years as an Executive Secretary for NSA, where she formed many lasting friendships. In retirement, she honored her love for our nation’s capital with frequent visits to the Smithsonian, Senate, and Kennedy Center.  Being a good citizen remained her lifelong intention; her way to connect with family and friends.

Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her family taking vacations together, sharing a concert or show, or just sitting on the porch swing.  She loved her doggies, Peaches and Molly.  She took such an interest in people and their lives.  She loved to shop and knew how to dress. Her grammar was impeccable!  Her beautiful voice comforted people.  Even at the end of life, she gave abundant grace and love.  Our hearts will always be with her.