Passed away peacefully at Wellington Terrace Long Term Care Home in Fergus on DATE at the age of 88. Reta, a long time resident of Guelph, is survived by her beloved husband Reuben Schinkel. Through their partnership in life, they enriched the lives of many others and were loved and cherished by each other, family and friends.
Reta is remembered with love by her three children Carolynne (Bob), Doug (Lori) and Mark (Geri) as well as by her six grandchildren: Rachel, Brett (Joanna), Corey (Melissa), Brenna (Trent), Sarah (Michael) and Meghan (Mat) and eight great-grandchildren. Reta grew up in the Vineland/Niagara area with her parents Ethel and Reginald, brothers Harold, Bob, Lorne, Gordon and Don and sister Ruth.
Reta and Reuben both attended Parkview Church for many years following their move to Guelph in 1974. Church and faith in God were central to Reta’s life. She had many friends at the church and through her involvement in Guelph’s faith community. She will be remembered for her many contributions to church life, her personal investment in the lives of others, her faithful service and her leadership in many church activities (particularly with choir/music, women’s ministries and Pioneer Girls). She opened her home and her heart to others and was able to encourage many people along their journey through life. Reta lived a good life, worked diligently (including employment in Guelph with University of Guelph Alumni Affairs, Dunara Homes and Clavis Software) and enjoyed music, travel and a full, active retirement.
The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the kind, thoughtful and skilled staff at Wellington Terrace LTC Home.
A private family celebration of life will take place. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
If so desired, memorial donations may be made in Reta’s memory to Alzheimer Society Waterloo Wellington (alzheimer.ca/en/ww).
A tree will be planted in memory of Reta M. Schinkel in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.