By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

EAST WALNUT HILLS - Grace S. Ehrnschwender was a talented artist who used water colors to capture landscapes and people in everyday settings. She produced a plethora of paintings and hosted two art shows over the years. She also designed and hand-painted her Christmas cards for the past 38 years.

Mrs. Ehrnschwender, 78, died Feb. 8 of complications from a fall she took two days after Christmas. The longtime Mount Washington resident had recently lived in East Walnut Hills.

"My mom was passionate about life, especially her art," said her son, Scott of Terrace Park. "She was a very loving person, always there with a smile, kindness and compassion that influenced us all."

Born in Jabez, Ky., in 1925, she graduated from Norwood High School and attended Berea College. She received an art degree in the School of Design Architecture Art and Planning at the University of Cincinnati, where she also met her future husband, Arthur.

The couple spent a year in Japan where he was stationed while serving with the Army, after which they returned to Cincinnati to raise a family.

Mrs. Ehrnschwender also enjoyed gardening and decorating. She designed and developed several flower gardens at her Mount Washington home - one of which was featured on the Garden Tour of Cincinnati.

She was a former member of the Women's Art Club, the Men's Art Club, the Town Club, and was a past director of the Cincinnati Woman's Club and the Cincinnati Garden Center. She was also a member of the Cincinnati Country Club and the University Club.

In addition to her son Scott, survivors include: her husband of 53 years; another son, Barry of Anderson Township; a brother, Robert Popplewell of Norwood; and three grandchildren. Memorials: Cincinnati Woman's Club, 330 Lafayette Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220 or Mount Washington Presbyterian Church, 6474 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45230.