Joyce Ann Fretz, 79
Joyce Ann Fretz went home to the Lord, surrounded by her family, on February 18, 2021. She was born on September 1, 1941 in Ocean View, Delaware, daughter of the late Edward Pepper, Jr. and Roxie Ann Dennis.
Joyce was a graduate of Smyrna High School, Class of 1960. That same year, she married Ronald I. Fretz, Sr. of Dover, the love of her life, with whom she would raise four children. They started their family in Cherry Point, N.C., where Ron was stationed as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. They returned home to Delaware in 1964.
Joyce worked as a seamstress in the Smyrna area for many years. Her final and favorite career was as the proprietor of Nature's Way in Smyrna, which she owned for 22 years. She took great pride in her store and genuinely enjoyed spending time with her many customers over the years. She retired in 2018.
Joyce was a faithful Christian and Elder of Community of Christ Church in Wilmington. She was a member of the Bodacious Red Hat Ladies.
Joyce was predeceased in death by her husband of 56 years, Ronald I. Fretz, Sr., in 2017; her brother, Robert Dennis, Jr.; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law, Herbie Fretz, Frannie Shetzler, Betty Harris, Bobby Fretz, William Fretz, Jr., Irvin Fretz, Doris Forsythe, and David Fretz.
Joyce was deeply devoted to her family, enjoyed being surrounded by her family as often as possible, and treasured big family holidays and gatherings. She is survived by her sister and best friend, Carole Allaband, of Smyrna; her children, Robyn D. Shaner of Clayton, Terri L. Fretz and her companion Ben Garnett of Smyrna, and Cindi L. Ridenour and her husband Mark of Smyrna, and Ronald I. Fretz, Jr. and his wife Maureen Raitz of Hartly; sisters-in-law, Mae Chase of Smyrna and Gloria Runyon of Gallop, New Mexico; nine grandchildren, Kristin Shaner, April Ball, Ashley Starke, Dustin Shaner, Sabrina Ridenour, Andrew Ridenour, Amelia Fretz, Tessa Fretz and Tiffanie Fetzer; nine great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Shaner, Maddison Miller, Brooke Starke, Connor Starke, Abby Ball, Allie Ball, Jase Starke, Lillie Davis and CJ Davis; and many nieces, nephews and beloved friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on February 27, 2021 at Faries Funeral Home, located at 29 South Main Street, Smyrna. Family and friends may call at 1 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will be privately held.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Deer Park Camp and Retreat Center, 6290 Lower Mountain Road, New Hope, PA 18938 or The Shepherd Place, Governor Ave. Dover, DE 19904.