Obituary of Reta Verna Bearinger

Reta died peacefully at Innisfree House in Kitchener on Thursday, February 15, 2018 in her 99^th year.

Dear sister of Willard Bearinger and aunt of many nieces and nephews and their families.

Predeceased by her parents, Ephraim and Annie (Shantz) Bearinger; siblings, Irene (Ernest) Mount, Melvin (Margaret) Bearinger, Beulah (Arthur) Weber, Mabel (Ephraim) Martin, Olive (Wesley) Brubacher, Aleda (Fred) Stanbury, Howard (Jessie) Bearinger, Violet (Gerald) Pitts; and sister-in-law, Lee Bearinger (wife of Willard).

Reta grew up on a Waterloo farm which is now part of Lakeshore Village.  When her parents Ephraim and Annie retired, she moved with them to Bricker Street in Waterloo.  From there, she walked to work at Sun Life (Mutual Life) daily.  She retired after 47 years of service.

Reta was a longtime member of Erb Street Mennonite Church and for many years arranged the flowers for the sanctuary.  She travelled the world with her good friend Jean Kuntz.  She also explored Ontario’s provincial parks, conservation and picnic areas in the company of her sisters and nieces.  These Sunday treks always included hamburgers cooked on a hibachi.  A fold up table and chairs were also included as many spots didn’t have picnic tables available.

After retirement, she enjoyed appliqueing quilts for the Mennonite Relief Sale in New Hamburg.  She and her twin sister Aleda loved to sit in the stands to watch the auction.  She created the centerpiece for the 50^th anniversary quilt for the sale.

Reta was always interested in news, reading the newspaper, doing crosswords and the jumble until the last days of her life.  She will be missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to share memories of Reta during visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Monday, February 19, 2018 from 10 – 10:45 a.m.  A memorial service will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 a.m.  A reception will immediately follow the service in the funeral home’s Fireside Room.  A private family interment will be held at Erb Street Mennonite Cemetery.

Condolences for the family and memorial donations to Innisfree House (Hospice) or Erb Street Mennonite Church may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.