Retha Pitsenbarger

Retha Mae (Simmons) Pitsenbarger, 90, of Franklin, WV and formerly Moyers, WV passed away Friday, January 17, 2020 at Pendleton Manor.

She was born October 28, 1929 in Moyers, WV a daughter of the late Lona (Rexrode) and Frank Simmons. On December 2, 1950, she married William “Virgil” Pitsenbarger, who preceded her in death.

A woman of great faith, Retha was a devoted member of St. Paul Independent Lutheran Church, as well as the church’s ladies Bible group. She enjoyed time spent working on puzzles, word search games and adult coloring books. She loved gardening, working in her flowers and simply visiting with friends and family. Retha will be remembered for the countless cards she would send out to friends and family, always keeping others in mind and working to brighten someone’s day. Additionally, receiving cards made her day too!

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son, Sonny Lee.

Surviving family members include her step-grandson, Calvert James and wife, Ashley of Dayton; step great-granddaughters, Peyton and Olivia James; daughter-in-law, Michelle Pitsenbarger of ­­­Bridgewater; special cousins, Catherine Arbogast of Charlottesville and Patricia Puffenbarger of Bridgewater; numerous cousins, including several double cousins; as well as her devoted church family and large circle of friends.

A funeral service will be conducted 12 p.m., Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at St. Paul Independent Lutheran Church with the Rev. Jerry Smith officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Paul Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Gary Simmons, Jeff Pitsenbarger, Delbert Rexrode Jr., Mike Eye, Bill Rexrode, Mark Rexrode, Bob Grimm, Johnny Bodkin. Honorary pallbearers will be Fred Arbogast and Jeff Moats.

The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service as well as during a meal of fellowship following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Independent Lutheran Church, c/o Delbert Rexrode, Jr., 527 Windrush Lane, Doe Hill, VA 24433 or St. Paul Cemetery Fund, c/o Joeanne Moyers, 1685 Doe Hill Road, Sugar Grove, WV 26815.