Obituaries

William Louis Garrett, 67, passed away peacefully with his loving family and friends surrounding him, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at his home in Edgewood, KY. He received the Anointing of the Sick from Fr. Damian Hils of Blessed Sacrament Church.

Bill was a man who was loved by so many. He never knew a stranger. He was always generous with his time and talent. Bill’s family was everything to him. He always put them first and looked out for them in every way. Everyone seemed to come to Bill for advice, whether it be personal, or pertaining to his career as a remodeler for 45 years. Bill was also a school bus driver for Kenton County for four years. He was the life of every party and known for having the best celebrations. His Jägermeister shots were legendary. Bill loved work and play. Taking care of his home and yard were his obsessions. Hunting was the hobby that gave him the most joy. It wasn’t all about getting the “big buck.” He loved to be in the woods, quietly watching nature around him. He also enjoyed fishing, smoking on his smokers, and he liked the idea of golf, although he wasn’t very good at it. His friends will be the first to admit that, but he was fun to have on the golf course.

Bill was a graduate of Conner High School in Hebron, KY, where he played football and was active in student council. He was president of his senior class. He married his loving wife, Rita, in October of 1981. After eleven years of marriage, they had their daughter, Elizabeth. She was definitely daddy’s girl and his pride and joy. Bill welcomed his awesome son-in-law, Sam, into the family without reservation. He was so happy for the husband Elizabeth had found. Rita and Bill also have two grandsons, Tommy and Scottie. Their arrival made his life perfect. No one fought harder to live than Bill, but in the end, he was thankful for the life he had. He always said, “I have done more in my 67 years of life than others do in 100.” He touched the lives of so many people, and he will be missed by so many. There surely is a hole in many hearts.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Dolores Garrett; his sister, Margaret Ehrenfels; and his in-laws, William and Christina Gerdes. Those left behind are his caring wife of 43 years, Rita Gerdes Garrett; daughter, Elizabeth Halpin; son-in-law, Sam Halpin; two grandsons, Thomas and Scott Halpin; and his brother, Edward Garrett (Andrea). Bill also leaves behind five sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law, Doris Wilker (Jerry), Barbara Koplyay (Steve), Connie Boggs (Sam), Bill Gerdes (Annette), Monica Littrell, Lori Tenhundfeld (Rob), along with many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Monday, July 7, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Linnemann Funeral Home in Erlanger, Kentucky. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, July 8, at Blessed Sacrament Church, Dixie Highway, Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky at 10:00 AM. Bill will be laid to rest at St. Mary Cemetery in Ft. Mitchell, KY.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Bill’s name to two of his favorite charities: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.