Donna Rettig, 80, of Mansfield, passed away Saturday afternoon, February 7, 2015, at her home. She was born in Bellville, Ohio, on July 2, 1934, to Mabel Edna Tucker Bowersock and Leslie Warren Tucker and was later adopted by her aunt and uncle, Velma B. Tucker Friday and Edward B. Friday. She remained close throughout her life to her birth mother, Mabel, and her husband, Russell Bowersock.
She graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1952. Donna was a devoted mother and homemaker and, for a time, worked as a bookkeeper at Mansfield Telephone Company. On Sunday, September 30, 1956, she married Robert D. Rettig. Her husband never had to worry about bills being paid, having the home cleaned or food on the table; Donna already had it covered. She was a marvelous cook and baker, and her family was treated to many special get-togethers over the years. She was an active and faithful member of First English Lutheran Church, assisting at the church making funeral dinners and teaching Sunday School for over 50 years.
As if raising a family wasn’t work enough, Donna was always busy and extremely organized. When her parents and parents-in-law were ill, she helped out by doing the laundry for 10 people in addition to her already hectic schedule. Donna was an accomplished seamstress and made most of her clothes throughout her life. She also enjoyed crocheting, creating many beautiful afghans, and cross stitch projects. She created the napkins used for baptisms at her church. She was blessed with a positive attitude and always believed the best in everyone. She was an avid sports fan, following the Indians, Browns, and Ohio State Buckeyes, through good and bad seasons alike. Her enthusiasm for life was clearly evident and she enjoyed traveling, seeing new places, and making many friends along the way.
In her spare time, she enjoyed playing Bridge and bowling and was the secretary for her leagues for many years. Donna doted on her sons and grandchildren and was lucky enough to “babysit” her grandchildren from the time they were 6 weeks old until preschool and kindergarten. She always supported both her children and grandchildren by attending their sporting events, plays, and school functions. They all knew, no matter what, that she was there for them. Her legacy of love will never be forgotten.
She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Robert D. Rettig; sons, Michael “Mick” (Melinda “Peach”) Rettig and Steven Rettig, all of Mansfield; granddaughter, Sara (Kyle) Dawson of Pearland, TX; grandson, Andrew Rettig of Mansfield; and sister-in-law, Barbara Rettig of Mansfield. She is preceded in death by both her adoptive parents and birth parents; step-father; sister, Grace Jones; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Walter and Naomi Rettig; and brother-in-law, Donald Rettig.
The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, February 11, 2015 in the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield. The funeral service will be held Thursday, February 12 at 10:30 a.m. in First English Lutheran Church with Rev. Paul Larson officiating. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park.
Online guest registry at www.wappner.com
