Mary Ellen (Rickly) Reichenbach, 98, died at 10:42 a.m. on Tuesday Feb. 28, 2012, at her residence with her daughter by her side. She was born Feb. 12, 1914, on the family farm in Putnam County to Samuel and Arletta (Huffman) Rickly.
She graduated from Pandora High School in 1932. On July 27, 1934, Mary Ellen married Myron (Mike) Reichenbach and he died on Jan. 13, 1980.
In addition to farming, Mike and Mary Ellen owned and operated Reichenbach's Flowers & Gifts on their farm from 1965 until 1978 when they sold their farm and moved to Bluffton.
Mrs. Reichenbach was a lifelong member of Pleasant View United Methodist Church, where she served as church historian. She was known to sing duets with many partners at the church over the years and she provided flower arrangements for the church altar every Sunday for many years. She won many awards and ribbons for her sewing, knitting and crocheting projects. She was a volunteer at Bluffton Hospital for 25 years.
She is survived by a daughter Sandy Yoakam, Reynoldsburg, Ohio; three grandchildren Michael (Holly) Yoakam of Canal Winchester, Karen (Bob) Davidson of Columbus and Jennifer (Chris) Brown of Blacklick, Ohio; eight grandchildren Stephen, Brandon, Matthew, Jesse, Macailyn, Ashley, Joshua and Faith; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by brothers Alva, Oscar, Irvin, Raymond and twin brother and sister Jessie and Bessie (Rickly) Sutter.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday March 3, 2012 at Pleasant View United Methodist Church, Mt. Cory. Rev. Jerry Lewis officiating. Burial will be in Clymer Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday from 4-8 p.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton, and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant View United Methodist Church. Condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
