Barbola Funeral Chapel

Nancy L. Reitz

Nancy Lou Kettlewell Reitz, age 89, formerly of Eureka, died very peacefully on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at Park View Health Center.

She was born February 18, 1930, in Berlin, the daughter of Edward and Vera Ellis Kettlewell. Nancy attended Record Grade School and was a 1948 graduate of Berlin High School. On October 7, 1950, she was united in marriage to Harold “Pete” Reitz at St. John Lutheran Church in Berlin.

Nancy was a stay at home mom and lived her entire married life in Eureka. She enjoyed reading, gardening and decorating her home with antiques. Nancy was very proud of her family farm. Built in 1898, it was a very pretty farm in its day with a long tree-lined driveway that is still there. She talked about the farm often and told many stories about the good old days. Her love for her farm and all the animals was passed on to her daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A love that never dies. Even though her memory wasn’t always the best, her memory of the farm was always there.

She is survived by her three children, Cathy (Allen) Silverthorn, David Reitz (fiancé, Cheryl) and Monica Reitz; six grandchildren, Jessica (Todd) Gilson, Shannon (Ryan) Besaw, Sarah (Ben) Lang, Joshua (Jade) Silverthorn, Ryan (Haley) Reitz and Andy Reitz; 15 great-grandchildren, Ellie, Adelyn, Gracelyn and Brynlie Gilson, Kaden, Parker, Grant and Blane Besaw, Makenna, Maeley and Benett Lang, Braelyn Silverthorn and Keagan, Isabella and Kolton Reitz; one sister, Mary “Mert” Smith; and nieces, nephews and cousins. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Harold “Pete”, on March 2, 2012; parents; infant baby sister, Carol Jean; daughter-in-law, Jean Reitz; brother-in-law, Charles Smith; sister-in-law, Inez (Richard) Craig; nephew, Doug Smith; and other relatives.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Barbola Funeral Chapel in Berlin. A private family service will follow, with Rev. Larry Rieck officiating. Nancy will be laid to rest next to “Pete” in Welsh Cemetery and near her other Kettlewell/Evans relatives. She was very proud of her Welsh heritage. As she lays to rest, she will be able to look east and remember her beloved family farm for all eternity.

The family wishes to thank Park View Health Center for the wonderful care they have given our mother for the past 7 ½ years. It was such a cozy, comfortable home for her and the staff on Woodside 2 were amazing. We can’t say enough how grateful we are to all of you. You are all like angels on earth. Thank you so very much. We’ll be forever grateful. Rest in peace grandma Nancy. Now you can dream about your beloved family farm forever.