Apryl K. Strittholt

Mrs. Apryl Kay (Maerki) Strittholt, 61, of Harrison, Ohio died after a long struggle with pancreatic and liver cancers, on Thursday, February 13, 2020 while in the exceptional and skilled care of the Medical Intensive Care Unit of Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. Apryl was born April 15, 1958 in Cincinnati, Ohio and became the third of five children of the late Ernest and Patricia (Miller) Maerki. On September 29, 1984 Apryl became the wife of Robert Lee Strittholt. Together they raised three children.

Apryl was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Patricia Maerki, and her youngest sibling, Ernest Maerki II.

Apryl will be forever loved and remembered by those who survived her, including her loving and devoted husband of 35 years, Robert Strittholt; her daughters, Heather VanDivier and Rachael Strittholt; her son, David Strittholt; her three sisters, Karen (Maerki) Shoemaker, Lindea (Maerki) Greenwell, and Janet (Maerki) Martin; her grandchildren, Emma and Alison Strittholt, Evan Sippola, Brenna, Victoria, Sophia, and Reice Thomas; as well as countless cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Anyone who knew Apryl knew her as a fiercely loyal friend, a devoted wife and as being the best mom and grandmother ever. Apryl didn't know how to put herself first. While fighting through immense pain for the last 15 years, she continued to help with running errands for loved ones, caring for her grandchildren, and simply being there for anyone who needed her. Apryl found happiness in spoiling her grandchildren, playing games and spending time with them. She valued the friendships that she cultivated over years of lunch dates, playing recreational sports and through weekly phone calls. As time passed and the seasons of everyone's lives changed, she missed everyone with greater intensity, but continued to cherish each and every special relationship she formed over her 61 years.

Once Bob and Apryl moved to Harrison and were close to Miami Whitewater Park, a new favorite past-time came to be. Whenever Apryl felt well enough, they would take walks through the park, reminiscing about the past and discussing the future, whatever it should bring. For this reason, Bob is purchasing two trees and a bench to be placed along the walking trail of the park that will be placed this spring. Bob hopes that anyone who walks along the path, seeks shade under the trees, or rests on the bench will be able to spend another brief moment in the presence of the most caring, loving and giving person any of us has ever known.

If you would like, a donation can be made in Apryl's name to The National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation which aims to advance research in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

https//www.npcf.us/donate-volunteer/ways-to-donate/donate

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 21, 2020 from 10 - 11 am at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 17 Farragut Road, Greenhills, Ohio 45218. Funeral Mass will be held immediately following.



To share your memories of Apryl or leave a special condolence message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.