Patricia Ann Rietz or Pat as she was affectionately known by all, a resident of Thatcher, entered into eternal rest Saturday evening, September 12, 2015, at the Mount Graham Regional Medical Center, with her family at her bedside. She was 75.
Pat was born March 10, 1940 in Hale, Missouri, the daughter of Marjorie and James White. She grew up and spent her adolescent years there. At the tender age of six, her mother and younger brother, Jerry, were tragically killed in an automobile accident. Pat was raised by her grandparents, graduating from Hale High School. In the late 1960’s, she met John “Jack” Rietz, as he was on assignment with the Bureau of Land Management. They were latter married on August 10, 1970. Pat and Jack made their home in Daley Estates, purchasing one of the original homes that were built there. As Jack continued to work for the B.L.M., Pat remained in the home caring for and raising the children. Throughout the next forty years, she was a dedicated baby sitter for many in the community. Pat had a loving, tender way about her and was a wonderful mother who loved her family dearly and was an intelligent, compassionate, beautiful woman who was fiercely loyal and protective of her family and those she loved. She will be sorely missed by all who were blessed by her life and legacy.
Pat leaves to mourn: her husband of 45 years, Jack, of Thatcher; two daughters, Lynda Oden (Marty), of Richmond, Missouri and Kim Johnson, of Gilbert; two sons, Tim, of Thatcher and Todd (Danyell), of Queen Creek; and her uncle, Jim Barnes, of Hale, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Serena, Chantz, Lige, Tyler, Traci, Chris and Jordan; and two great-grandchildren, Matthew and Lanie. Pat was predeceased by: her mother, Marjorie; and father, James; and a brother, Jerry.
Online condolences may be offered at viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
