Ruth Theresa Mary Reiser Trettel, 85

MIDDLETOWN - Ruth Theresa Mary Reiser Trettel died on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, in Middletown at the age of 85 years. She was born July 15, 1924, in Freeland, Pa. She was baptized on July 25, 1924, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Freeland, Pa. Ruth was the daughter of Anna Wehrman Reiser and Linus Reiser, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Joseph Edward Trettel, who died on Christmas Day 2008. Her infant son, James Trettel, preceded her in death on July 10, 1955, at the age of 12 hours. Ruth is survived by one son, Joseph John Trettel and his wife Mary Ann of Dover. She is survived by four grandchildren, James P. Trettel and his wife Donel of Haymarket, Va., Thomas Trettel of Newark, Joseph Douglas Trettel and his wife Maureen of Smyrna, and Laura Scott of Smyrna. She is survived by 11 great-grandchildren, Aimee, Cara, and Sean Trettel of Haymarket, Va., and Gabrielle, Jordyn, Joseph Ferris, and Evan Trettel, Katherine and Erin Currie, and Alexis and Logan Scott, all of Smyrna. Ruth has an older sister, Edith Sterling of Pennsylvania; and a niece, Charlotte Watkins and her family. Mrs. Trettel grew up in Freeland, and graduated from St. Ann Parochial High School in 1942. She worked at Duplan Silk Mill in Hazleton, Pa., where she met her future husband. They were married on April 30, 1946, at St. Ann Church in Freeland. She lived for 29 years in Bridgeport, Conn., where she and her husband raised their son. She was employed at H.L. Green department store in Bridgeport, and at a local toy factory. She attended St. Cyril and Methodius Church. After her husband retired, she moved with him to Hawley, Pa., and then lived for 20 years in Freeland, Pa. She moved to Smyrna, in February 2005 to be near her family. In June 2006 Mrs. Trettel and her husband moved to Broadmeadow Nursing Home in Middletown. Mrs. Trettel enjoyed reading, cooking, visiting with friends, having yard sales, and sharing her life with her husband. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 18, in St. Polycarp's Roman Catholic Church in Smyrna. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery in Smyrna. Letters of condolence may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Faries Funeral Directors and Crematorium, Inc., 29 South Main Street, Smyrna.