Obituary for Wendy M. Reitz
Wendy M. Reitz, 59, of Warrior’s Mark Pennsylvania died the morning of June 14, 2021. Born Wendy Marie Heaton in Tyrone, PA, she was the youngest of 6 children of Dorothy and Roy James Heaton.
Those who knew Wendy felt her love constantly. Those who knew Wendy best, knew not to ask any follow up questions if she asked you to hide a goat and not tell anyone.
Wendy was a rescuer. She rescued animals and people of all kinds. She never judged anyone and always offered help. While working for the state legislature, she pushed to get a landmark bill passed and signed into law, called, Cordelia’s Law, which help to protect even more animals than Wendy ever could. Being with her horses and caring for her dogs and other animals brought her happiness daily. When she died, Wendy had 4 horses, 4 dogs, 1 indoor cat and countless other barn cats. All of them will continue to be taken care of by her family.
Wendy married her high school boyfriend, Sam Diehl, and they had two sons, Tyler James and Corey Joseph Diehl. Wendy later remarried Tom Reitz and helped to raise two stepchildren, Guy Michael and Sarah Jean Reitz. As a mom, Wendy knew how to have fun. She was always up for an adventure and often surprised the kids with gifts. She also made sure to rehearse answers with everyone in case their father asked where those gifts came from.
Creative and quirky, Wendy loved a good project. She was constantly rearranging furniture, restoring antiques and creating new messes that would end up prettier than the last project. She loved music and would sing and dance to entertain herself and anyone else around. She loved to have a good laugh with family, friends, and strangers. More than anything else, she loved a good prank. Unfortunately for Wendy, she was much better at being pranked by others, especially her son Tyler.
Wendy’s unbridled joy for life was on full display when she was with her grandchildren, John Samuel and Joseph Wylder Diehl and her step-granddaughters Hanna and Amelia Reitz. She was always the cool and fun mom but as a Nana, she broke the mold. All the things she shared with her boys, she shared with twice as much passion with her grandsons: fishing, arts, crafts, singing, dancing, and laughter.
The world will not be the same without Wendy, but it is a kinder, goofier, and more loving place because of her.
Wendy’s life will be celebrated at a private service where she will be surrounded with love from her husband, children, grandchildren, horses, and dogs.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Wendy’s name to the Next Level Horsemanship at 790 Shady Dell Road in Port Matilda PA 16870. Please include her name on the memo. Your donation will provide free riding lessons for future generations of horse enthusiasts.
Those who knew Wendy felt her love constantly. Those who knew Wendy best, knew not to ask any follow up questions if she asked you to hide a goat and not tell anyone.
Wendy was a rescuer. She rescued animals and people of all kinds. She never judged anyone and always offered help. While working for the state legislature, she pushed to get a landmark bill passed and signed into law, called, Cordelia’s Law, which help to protect even more animals than Wendy ever could. Being with her horses and caring for her dogs and other animals brought her happiness daily. When she died, Wendy had 4 horses, 4 dogs, 1 indoor cat and countless other barn cats. All of them will continue to be taken care of by her family.
Wendy married her high school boyfriend, Sam Diehl, and they had two sons, Tyler James and Corey Joseph Diehl. Wendy later remarried Tom Reitz and helped to raise two stepchildren, Guy Michael and Sarah Jean Reitz. As a mom, Wendy knew how to have fun. She was always up for an adventure and often surprised the kids with gifts. She also made sure to rehearse answers with everyone in case their father asked where those gifts came from.
Creative and quirky, Wendy loved a good project. She was constantly rearranging furniture, restoring antiques and creating new messes that would end up prettier than the last project. She loved music and would sing and dance to entertain herself and anyone else around. She loved to have a good laugh with family, friends, and strangers. More than anything else, she loved a good prank. Unfortunately for Wendy, she was much better at being pranked by others, especially her son Tyler.
Wendy’s unbridled joy for life was on full display when she was with her grandchildren, John Samuel and Joseph Wylder Diehl and her step-granddaughters Hanna and Amelia Reitz. She was always the cool and fun mom but as a Nana, she broke the mold. All the things she shared with her boys, she shared with twice as much passion with her grandsons: fishing, arts, crafts, singing, dancing, and laughter.
The world will not be the same without Wendy, but it is a kinder, goofier, and more loving place because of her.
Wendy’s life will be celebrated at a private service where she will be surrounded with love from her husband, children, grandchildren, horses, and dogs.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Wendy’s name to the Next Level Horsemanship at 790 Shady Dell Road in Port Matilda PA 16870. Please include her name on the memo. Your donation will provide free riding lessons for future generations of horse enthusiasts.