Penwell Turner Funeral Home - Shelby, Ohio

Lucy Mae Rietschlin

Lucy M. Rietschlin, age 84, died peacefully at home on January 7, 2021.

She was born on December 27, 1936, in Shelby, Ohio, to the late Clement and Mae (Sutter) Metzger. Lucy was the youngest daughter in a large, German-Catholic family where faith, family, education, and hard work were pillars of her upbringing. A life-long resident of Shelby Settlement and parishioner of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Bethlehem, she only left the area briefly as a child to attend boarding school at the Villa Maria in Pennsylvania. After graduating, she returned home and worked in the payroll department at Copperweld for 17 years.

Lucy’s greatest goal and most spectacular achievement was to be a wife and mother. In 1970, she married Mark L. Rietschlin and spent the next 50 years devoted to him and their children. Lucy and Mark were proud of their six children, (two sets of twins), for many reasons but particularly that all six received a higher education after high school. For the last 17 years, she has been an attentive and caring grandmother to her eleven grandchildren.

Lucy took delight in being a farmer’s wife, caring for her family, maintaining her home, watching her children and grandchildren play sports, and volunteering at church. She was especially skilled in the kitchen, and her cookies were praised all over the community, earning her names, like “Cookie Grandma” and “Home-made Lucy.” Lucy also enjoyed gardening, both vegetable and flowers, and anything to do with yardwork. She looked forward to her weekly pinochle games, though intense, they were filled with laughter and conversation with her dear friends. Of course, she enjoyed her cards even more when she had winning hands.

Lucy was a genuine Christian role model and lived by her faith. She said numerous rosaries daily asking Mother Mary for her intercession for the protection of her family, giving thanks, seeking aid for those in need, and asking for world peace. Lucy prayed so many rosaries that her husband Mark quipped, “She must have worn out well over 118 rosaries over the years!”

She is survived by her husband, Mark; her children: Sam (Angela) Rietschlin of Crestline; Heidi Rietschlin of Mansfield; Andy (Paula) Rietschlin of Shelby; Heather (Ron) Shepherd of Shelby; Carrie (Michael) Kemerer of Crestline; and Jake (Jessica) Rietschlin of Shelby; 11 grandchildren: Luke, Marshall, Nathan, Grace, Elizabeth, Michael, Louie, Karen, Veronica, Jude, and Charlie; two brothers: Joe (Lynne) Metzger of Marion and Jim (Janice) Metzger of Chardon; two sisters-in-law: Pat Metzger and Alice Metzger; her dear friend and cousin, Rosemary Sutter; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and six brothers: Hubert Metzger, Carl Metzger, John Metzger, Leo Metzger, Fr. Clement Metzger, and an infant brother, Carl Joseph Metzger; and four sisters: Nellie Young, Rosemary Keller, Sr. Celine (Agnes) Metzger, and Loretta Paskert.

The Mark Rietschlin Family would like to thank everyone for their support, prayers, and kindness through the years as Lucy battled many chronic illnesses; especially those who provided direct care at the end of her life: Dr. Ajay Chawla, Valerie Castle, Sara Hammer, Danielle Reith, and Linda Wahl.

Family and friends are welcome to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 5742 State Route 61, Shelby, Ohio 44875 on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 11 am for Lucy’s funeral mass with Msgr. Dennis Metzger, her nephew, and Fr. Jeff Smith, her pastor, concelebrating. For those wishing, guests are welcome to join in praying the rosary just prior to mass at 10:45 am at the church. Lucy’s funeral will also be live streamed on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Bethlehem, Ohio Facebook page. Burial will follow mass in the church cemetery. Calling hours will not be observed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Sacred Heart School, Shelby.

Care for Lucy and her family is being provided by the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby.

Appropriate ways to express sympathy for those unable to attend may be done by leaving an online condolence at www.PenwellTurner.com or by leaving a comment on Lucy’s obituary on the funeral home’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.

Memories & Condolence

  1. Tom Adams says:

    Carrie, so sorry for the loss of your mom.

  2. Cheryl & Paul Hamons says:

    Our condolences to your families. We are blessed and honored to have known Lucy aka Cookie Grandma. She was such a great lady. I can see her having a great reunion with many relatives and friends. Praying for your families.
    Cheryl and Paul Jr Hamons

  3. Caroline Flannery says:

    I’m heartbroken to hear about your dear Mother. I have so many sweet memories of spending time with your Mom at the farm. She was always so kind and upbeat. May she rest in peace with my Mom and the rest of her loving family.

  4. Byron and DeeAnn Kent says:

    Andy, Paula and family — my deepest sympathy to you and your family for your loss. Your Mom must have been a wonderful person. May God welcome her into his kingdom. God bless you!
    DeeAnn Ruffing-Kent

  5. Ann Imhoff says:

    As everyone knows Lucy was a wonderful happy sweet lady. She will be terribly missed but we will all see her again with a plateful of her wonderful cookies waiting for all of us❤️❤️

  6. Beth and RAndy Terman says:

    So very sorry to the Rietschlin family. Our prayers are with all.

  7. Mindy Utz says:

    My deepest condolences.

  8. Gaye Shira says:

    Sympathy and prayers for God’s peace.
    Gaye and Ray

  9. Barbara J. Eakins says:

    My sincere sympathy to your family. I remember Tony Gwirtz telling me once that he looked forward to getting caramels from Lucy at Christmas time. Of
    course Tony is gone now, too. I read where she was known as “Cookie Grandma and Homemade Lucy”. I’m sure that gave her a lot of pleasure, and I know the recipients much appreciated and enjoyed them.
    So glad you have these good memories as well as many more.

  10. Clem and Kathy Kanney says:

    We are so sorry for the loss of Lucy. What a nice lady. You will have so many wonderful memories! We will pray for your whole family. God Bless.

  11. Linda Wilson says:

    Heidi, Heather, and Rietschlin family,

    So very sorry to hear of your dear mom’s passing. It says much about her that she had such devoted caregivers in her children. Thoughts and prayers for your family in this time of mourning, as well as the celebration of her life.

  12. Reverend Greg and Rene Griffith says:

    Our deepest sympathies. The precious blood of Christ assures us that life will be eternal, filled with joy and peace. Until that time we sorrow at the loss, but it is a sorrow with a blessed hope and a blessed promise. May the peace of Christ guard your hearts until the great reunion day.
    Pastor Greg and Rene Griffith
    The Church of God –

  13. Kelly Gross says:

    Carrie I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Mom!! May the Lord above bring you and your family peace and comfort during this difficult time!!

  14. Scott and laurie storch says:

    Lucy impacted my life as a mother and wife. When we rented the farm from the rietchlin family she was so kind, she was a great mentor. She taught me how to square foot garden, she even brought over her already made wooden boxes for us to use. She even had andy plow up the yard to try my hand at gardening. We lived there for years and she would bring over her beloved cookie trays at Christmas. She always thought of others, she made me want to be a better person, wife and mom. Mark and Lucy blessed our family in so many ways. They truly are shining lights for the Lord. I know she will hear, well done good and faithful servant. Some people cross your path in life to truly shape and mold you , we are truly thankful to have had the rietchlin family cross our path. God bless you all ❤️

  15. Fr. Nick Cunningham says:

    Dear Rietschlin Family
    So sorry to hear of Lucy’s passing! Know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers over the next few days especially!!!

  16. John and Donna Rietschlin says:

    We offer our deepest condolences to Uncle Mark and all of their children and grandchildren and our prayers for the repose of Aunt Lucy’s soul. We pray that all the members of Mark and Lucy’s family will be comforted in this time of loss.
    We never considered a visit back to Ohio to be complete until we spent an hour or two visiting with Aunt Lucy and Uncle Mark. Lucy’s caring kindness and her warm hospitality were so evident during these brief visits. And we often had the opportunity for chats with the children and grandchildren who were constantly dropping by. It was evident how Lucy’s and Mark’s love for one another had borne much fruit!
    We will very much miss seeing Aunt Lucy when we are next able to come to the Settlement. We look forward to sharing a cookie or two with Lucy when we see her in the next life!
    Blessings to all,

    John and Donna Rietschlin
    Ottawa, Canada

  17. Rich and Judy Messner says:

    Heather, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Keep all those sweet memories of your mom close to your heart. Hugs and love

  18. lucy samons says:

    Sam, so sorry to hear about your mom, prayers for you and family

  19. Sheila Jackson says:

    Sam,Angela and all the family so very sorry for your lose.May God carry you thru these tuff days and days to come.Sending much love and prayers.

  20. Elizabeth Joseph says:

    Sam, Angela and girls. So sorry for your loss.

  21. Cindy VanWagner-Alt says:

    Jake & Jessica and all of the Rietschlin Family,
    What a beautiful tribute to a lovely lady. The picture you chose is how I remember her. May you your very special memories and God’s love surround you at this time and in the days ahead. Praying for you.
    God Bless,
    Cindy & Family

  22. Carol Lee says:

    I’m so sorry for the loss of your Mother, I pray that our Lord embraces you all and comforts you through this time of sorrow.

  23. Holly Korbas says:

    Lucy will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her. You will honor her legacy by all the lessons she taught you! Saying prayers for all…

  24. Karen Worthington says:

    Sending thoughts and prayers to all of you during this difficult time.

  25. Charlene (Rietschlin) Spitan says:

    Dear Mark and. Family,
    So sorry to hear of the passing of Lucy. I remember her fondly as we were in school together at Sacred Heart School years ago. She was a year ahead of me. I was happy when she married my cousin Mark. I’m
    Sure you had a wonderful life together and raised such a great family.
    She is now at peace with the Lord. I will watch the livestream Funeral Mass since I live in Findlay. Be assured of my prayers. God Bless all of your family. Much love to you all!

  26. Sonia Hull Dyer says:

    My Dear Sam and Heidi,
    I remember your mother so well from when you were in K. She was such a sweet Mom!! You and your family are in my prayers.

  27. Janet Kehres says:

    Our thoughts and prayers go to the Rietschlin family. She raised some wonderful children who in turn raised wonderful children. Know that she is at peace in heaven and looks forward to seeing all of you in the future. Memories are the best when they are made by loving people like Lucy!

  28. Jason Martin says:

    I am saddened by the news of your loss. She was such a kind, caring and wonderful Godly woman. I pray that God will grant you comfort, peace, and strength. “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1. My sincere condolences. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

  29. Jarrod Clabaugh says:

    Dear Rietschlin Family –
    So many wonderful words of tribute to this amazing, loving and genuine women. I will never forget her kindness when I was at your home, saw her in church at the Settlement or ran into your parents at a high school game. Your mother was an excellent cook and baker. But she was even better at raising a family well. All of you and Mark are testament to her faith, her compassion, her stern but caring hand and her devotion to family. May your memories of her laughter, her kind soul and her devotion to the Lord and family bring you peace today, tomorrow and until you’re in her presence with Him again. She is with the Lord and waits patiently to greet you all again. Sending love, friendship and solace.

  30. Denise (Metzger) Giuliano i says:

    Uncle Mark, Sam, Heidi, Andy, Heather, Jake and Carrie and your families — I was so sorry to hear of Aunt Lucy’s passing. She had an infectious laugh and a truly kind heart. While I did not get to see her (and all of you) as often as I would have liked due to the distance, I always enjoyed talking with her. She was genuinely interested in my family and me.

    I am deeply sorry for your loss and hope that all of your happy (and funny) memories of her bring you comfort during this difficult time. Hugs to all of you! I will be praying for all of you and watching the funeral.

  31. mark Young says:

    Carrie, so sorry for the loss of your mom.

  32. Jan Blue says:

    Thinking of you Uncle Mark and your family. Lucy’s smile and laugh will always be remembered.

  33. Dan Metzger says:

    To Uncle Mark, Sam, Heidi, Andy, Heather, Jake and Carrie and all of your families: I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of Aunt Lucy. I always have such fond memories of her. Her laugh was contagious! And she clearly had a profound impact on so many people, judging by all of the amazing comments that others have left. We wont be able to make it back for the funeral but we do plan to watch the live stream . We miss you and love you very much and are praying for you and for the soul of your wife and Mom Lucy.

  34. Celia and Charlie Warren says:

    Our sincere sympathy for all the family. So involved with the Sacred Heart church and school. Always a smile on her face as she volunteered to help with so many activities! Such a sweet lady that will be missed by many! Our prayers for all the family!

  35. Renie & Denny Borgelt says:

    In your time of sorrow, know that Lucy is still with you, watching over you and guiding you. The greatest compliment you can give someone is, “There wasn’t a wicked bone in her body.” We know that was quite true about Lucy…a woman truly loved by so many.

  36. Kelly Kehres says:

    So sorry to hear about Aunt Lucy’s passing. My condolences to Uncle Mark and family. She as well as the entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
    Lot’s of good memories!

  37. Margie Hoover says:

    So very sorry for the loss of of your mom Andy(Paula). you have my deepest sympathy. Hugs and prayers for you all. Love you all Aunt Margie.

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