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92-Year-Old Owner Of Franklin Cider Mill Dies

FRANKLIN (WWJ) - The beloved owner of one of the most popular cider mills in the metro Detroit area has died.

Family members tell WWJ Newsradio 950 that Eleanor Peltz passed away Friday night. Although the cause of death wasn't immediately clear, relatives say Peltz suffered from Polio her entire life.

Funeral arrangements are still being finalized, but the service will be held Sunday at the Ira Kaufman Chapel.

The historic Franklin Cider Mill, located at 14 Mile and Franklin roads, has been around since the 1830s. Ownership of the mill changed hands many times until 1966 when it was purchased by Peltz's husband Jack, who died in 2004. The couple's son, Barry, now runs the business.

Barry said his mother is a legend, and was the rock of the family. He said his mother couldn't speak, but smiled at him before she died.

"She was my savior in so many ways," Barry said.

Employees at the Franklin Cider Mill say Eleanor was an energetic spit fire. She stopped working a the cider mill just over a decade ago when Jack died.

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