WOOSTER – Susan Courtney (Shera) Retzler died on April 29, 2014 at her home in Wooster.
Sue was born June 20, 1931 in Hackensack, New Jersey to William Arthur Shera and Helen (Stevenson) Shera and was the youngest of four children. As a child she loved riding her bicycle, participating in Girl Scouts, swimming, and playing tennis. Baseball and international and local politics were avidly discussed around the Shera family table and Sue continued to follow both throughout her life. A happy childhood moment was when she caught a foul ball at Yankee Stadium! Throughout high school and college Sue was a lifeguard and swim instructor at the Oritani Tennis Club in Hackensack.
Sue graduated from Hackensack High School in 1949 and from The College of Wooster in 1953. At Wooster College she majored in biology and physical education. She was a member of Sphinx Club (Lambda Alpha Sigma), synchronized swim club, and Concert Choir. After graduation Sue taught biology at Ramsey High School (NJ) and biology and physical education at Smithville High School (OH). Sue and Joseph Lloyd Retzler were married on July 28, 1956 and settled in Wooster where Joe was owner of Retzler Hardware and Sue taught physical education at Wooster High School. During this time Sue established a synchronized swimming program at the high school.
Sue and Joe had five children, Courtney Retzler (John Bean), Jim (Peggy) Retzler, Ed (Robin) Retzler, David (Aimee) Retzler, and Ross Retzler. Sue was an avid supporter of all her children s endeavors: Girl Scouting, Boy Scouting, 4H, Little League, soccer, cross country, Marching Band, Concert Choir.
Sue and husband Joe were Co-Presidents of the Layton Elementary School PTA. Sue and Joe were also members of the original group of parents who successfully lobbied the Wooster City School system to bring soccer to Wooster High School. She was active in 20-30 Ann s, AAUW, Flora-Lynn Garden Club, Book Club, Wooster Women s Symphony Committee, Junior Progress League, and the Ohio Arts and Crafts Guild.
She loved gardening of all kinds and lovingly maintained her flower beds and a giant vegetable garden. She won awards at the Wayne County Fair for beautiful flower arrangements and was famous for her tasty zucchini breads and vegetable soups made with homegrown vegetables!
She loved creating all kinds of art, especially macramé, straw and wood ornaments, and beaded jewelry. Sue taught macramé classes in her home and exhibited her work at arts and crafts shows throughout Ohio.
Sue was always physically active. She loved long-distance bicycle riding, completed TOSRV (Tour of the Scioto River Valley) several times, and was a founding member of the Wayne Wheels Bicycle Club. She loved to play tennis, downhill ski, and tent camp.
When most of her children were grown, Sue joined husband Joe at Retzler True Value Hardware, focusing on the gift and houseware departments and the Little Shopper s Land Christmas shop for children.
Sue became a member of QUOTA International and supported their many endeavors including QUOTA Idol. Throughout the years Sue maintained a strong connection to The College of Wooster as a supporter of all athletics, especially basketball (Downtown Rebounders), international student host, and member of the community-concert choir.
Sue and Joe loved to travel by trains, planes, and automobiles! They attended two Olympics, visited Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean, and almost all of the 50 states.The cities of Cleveland and Columbus were anchors for two of their passions, The Cleveland Symphony Orchestra and the Columbus Crew Major League Soccer Team, and activities for the week often included both!She was a member of First Presbyterian Church. Sue and Joe were members of their bridge club for 50 years. Other passions of Sue s were reading mystery novels and observing the wildlife visiting her back patio. Some of the special things Sue will be remembered for are her fearlessness in handling insects, her knowledge about birds, and her love of cats!
In addition to husband Joe and their five children, Sue is survived by ten grandchildren: Joshua and wife Bethany, Christopher, Andrew, Beckham, Keegan, Cole, Harry, and Emmy Retzler, and Sophie and Natalie Bean, sisters/brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings David, Carolyn (Lyn), and Margaret (Peggy).
A private family burial will take place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to Quota International of Wooster, PO Box 1384, Wooster, OH 44691 or to The Wayne County Humane Society, 1161 Mechanicsburg Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.
McIntire, Bradham, & Sleek Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Memorial Contributions
Quota International of Wooster, PO Box 1384, Wooster, OH 44691 or the Wayne Co. Humane Society, 1161 Mechanicsburg Rd., Wooster, OH 44691
Service
Private family services will be held with a Celebration of Life service at a later date.
Visitation
There will be no calling hours
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