Ella Catherine Deitz

Ella Catherine Deitz, 83 of Louisville, passed away peacefully, with her devoted companion of many years James Lepping by her side, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Ella was born in Louisville KY, September 14, 1941 to her beloved parents, Mother, Mary Elizabeth, and Father, Houston Hedges. She was one of six children raised in a bustling and lively household. After graduating from Fern Creek High school in 1959, she went on to attend Kentucky Baptist Nursing Program, earning her Nursing degree. She was a dedicated worker serving her community as a nurse healing those who were in need and then working for the Pepsi Cola corporation as a certified data processor at KFC headquarters, in the 80’s and 90’s. After many years of working for KFC she returned to nursing to serve the elderly at Masonic Homes of Louisville.

Ella met the love of her life, John F. Deitz and together they raised a creative and spirited daughter Catherine Andrea Helton. Ella was a hard worker, however in her free time she loved gardening, sewing, and taking care of all her family’s taxes. She will be remembered for her wicked sense of humor, her honesty, and the love she held for her family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John F. Deitz, and her parents Mary Elizabeth, and Houston Hedges.

Ella is survived by her daughter, Catherine Andrea Helton; grandson, John C. Lepping; great-grandchild, Indie Rose Lepping; sisters, Mary Cook, Beatrice Wetzelberger (Charles), Nancy Hedges (Lee); brothers, John K. Hedges (Holly), Robert Hedges; and Ella's significant other, James D. Lepping.

The family invites you to celebrate her life from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Rd., Louisville KY 40218. With a funeral ceremony to be held at 2:00 pm following the visitation, in Arch L. Heady-Resthaven Chapel.