September 8, 1942 the world was blessed with the presence of Greta Alelia Backus. Greta lived her life to help others through her career, her art, and her love. She was a social worker for almost 40 years and helped to start essential government programs such as WIC in her hometown of Warren, Ohio. She is preceded in death by her parents Laura-Jean and Jesse Backus and her six siblings (5 sisters and 1 brother). She left behind two brothers Forest and Bruce Backus. When she wasn’t helping people, you could find Greta behind a canvas turning feelings and emotions into a visual piece of art. Greta Backus became Greta Sibley when she married James Sibley and had a loving baby boy Anthony Sibley. In 1992 she married again to the love of her life and best friend Ray Monteilh and took on her final name: Greta Alelia Monteilh. Greta had one child, three grandchildren: Alelia, Hayle, and Pierre and ten great grandchildren. Greta was a mother, grandmother, artist, activist and the very epiphany of love. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 13, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Debbie Luevano
Ray & family my deepest condolences for your loss. May the memories of your love help you through these difficult days.
Bernadette McElroy
Anthony (Tony) and family,
We’re thinking of you with a heart filled with compassion and love. May your memories of your beautiful mother and love one help you through the pain and bring you some comfort. Please know I am sending you sympathy field with love.
Bernadette & Grady McElroy
Warren, OH
Mary Anne Kale
I met Ms. Greta in 1979 where she served the community at the Warren-Trumbull Community Service Agency. Always smiling she taught me, a young 25 year old girl, about the poverty in my hometown. The compassion she showed for her clients was inspiring. Over the years I have thought of her often. Her love for others and her friendship to me touched my heart. My condolences and prayers to her family. I was not aware of her art but know that it must have been as beautiful as she was.
Vernell Woods-Mitchell-Munday
I grew up with Greta in Warren, Ohio as we lived across the street from one another as children. I will always remember her as my childhood friend. My sincerest condolences to the family.
Paul and Kathy Boerner
Dear Ray,
Since you called to tell me Greta had passed, we have had you on our mind. We wanted to call and tell you , we are down with the struggle. We would be honored if we could host you here for a couple of days while your grieve your beautiful Greta. Please call us again as the number I have for you is a wrong number? We love you Raymond.