Ronald J. Rettew, 67, of Ephrata passed away at Ephrata Community Hospital following a lengthy illness, March 6, 2015.
The son of the late Lester and Anna Mary Herr Rettew, he was born in Brickerville at Elizabeth Farms.
Ron served in the United States Marine Corps and is a Vietnam veteran. A service technician, he retired from Hillyard Service Systems Inc. in Lancaster
He was a member of the Ephrata VFW Cocalico Post 3376, Ephrata AMVETS Post 136, Ephrata American Legion Post 429, Cocalico Sportsman’s Association, Adamstown Rod & Gun Club, and the Elstonville Sportsmans Club.
An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing and had a passion for walkabouts, traveling much of the United States on foot. Ron was known to be a great storyteller and kept journals of his many adventures, especially fishing.
Ron liked to spend time with friends telling stories and had a special relationship with Amber Schwartz, her children Carter, Avery, and Sheena Pickel, and Sheena’s daughter Collette.
Ron is survived by his sons: Donald Dale Rettew, husband of Bobbi Jo, Dalton, Ga.; Chad Geist, Ephrata; daughter: Stephannie Ernest, Mount Joy; siblings: Erla, wife of Gene Fetty, New Holland; Robert Rettew, husband of Jeanette, Brigham City, Utah; Mabel Goslin, West Chester; Linda, wife of Edward Lash, Ephrata; four grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter: Saudia Rettew; and sisters: Arlene Shank, Nancy Sweigart, and Dorothy Rettew.
Contributions in memory of Ron may be sent to the Richard H. Heisey Funeral Home, 216 S. Broad St. Lititz, PA 17543, to help his family with funeral expenses.
To send online condolences to Ron’s family, please visit richardheiseyfuneralhome.com.
