Wilma Ruth Reitz passed away on Friday, August 28 at the age of 81, due to complications from a stroke following open-heart surgery. She died at Kindred Hospital in Sycamore, Illinois.
Wilma was born on April 23, 1934 in Chicago, to Harry and Ruth Groves. She grew up in Chicago with 2 brothers, 2 sisters and a stepbrother.
Wilma met the love of her life Jack G. Reitz and later married him on December 31, 1951.
She is survived by her 6 children, Jack C. Reitz (Sherry), Russell Reitz (Ray Wcisel), Gordon Reitz (Laura), Laurie Goetz, Lon Reitz (Susie) and Cheryl Devereuz (Bob). She also has 16 grandchildren, Karrie Reitz (Jamie), Jack D. Reitz (Mackahlia), Matthew Pokorny, Gregg Goetz (Jenny), Amy Rysz (Dan), Melissa Goetz, Gordon Reitz Jr. (Wendy), Amanda, Jake, and Jenna Reitz, Sam and Jesse Reitz, Marliese. Danielle, Katlyn, and Robert (Jr.) Devereux. She has 10 great grandchildren, Tyler Reitz (Heidi), Bailey Reitz, Mason and Monica Wood, Teagan and Jaxson Reitz, Maddie Wilson, Grayson Goetz, and Matex and Storm Pokorny.
Wilma is also survived by her sister Florence Smith (Bryan) and her stepbrother Harold Groves.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Charles and Earl Groves, and her sister Winnifred Stork.
Wilma lived a full and happy life with her husband Jack and they often told each other “I love you a bushel and a peck”. Their marriage was a testament to a happy marriage and provided a loving example to all of their children.
Wilma’s children were the center of her life, where she raised them in Mt. Prospect. She was responsible for building up groups like cub scouts, girl scouts, campfire girls and midget football. She was honored with numerous awards from these organizations and continued to give of herself to them, even after her children outgrew the activities. She was also an active member at the Lutheran Church of Martha and Mary in Mt. Prospect. She was a Sunday School teacher, an Altar Guild leader, made banners for the church, sewed quilts for Lutheran World Relief and organized the flowers for the altar. She often referred to her church as her “second family”.
Wilma’s hobbies included, sewing, gardening, quilting and her tremendous love of animals.
Wilma will be missed by her family and friends. Visitation will be on Monday from 10::00 AM until Services 12 Noon at the Lutheran Church of Martha and Mary, 606 W. Golf Road Mt. Prospect,IL 60056
In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to her second home the Lutheran Church of Martha and Mary.