Retha Boutwell Obituary

Retha Marie Boutwell

Retha Marie (Van Atta) Boutwell, 95, of Findlay, passed away Monday, Jan. 16, 2023.

She was born Sept. 28, 1927, in Eagle Township, Hancock County, to the late Adrian D. and Frances M. (Powell) Van Atta. She was raised in western Hancock County and was a graduate of Rawson High School. She married Byron Leo Boutwell on Feb. 15, 1946, and he preceded her in death.

Retha is survived by three children, Kristine (Joe) Nonnamaker, Kelly (Carol) Boutwell, and Barry (Kelly) Boutwell; nine grandchildren, Derek Boutwell, William and Wayne Nonnamaker, Vanessa Rentz, Sarah Boyer, Carol Smith, Emma Boutwell and Benjamin and Kaden Boutwell; 15 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Retha was preceded in death by her sons, Michael and Mark Boutwell.

Retha's childhood was spent playing and working on the farm. She spent her early married life beside her husband working on various farms and raising their children. She eventually began work at Hancock County jail as a cook for the prisoners. Retha then worked as Administrative Assistant, Civil Process section in the Sheriff's staff, again, alongside her husband who was the County Sheriff. She worked in the department's front office and enjoyed her many job duties and meeting and helping all the people who came into the office. She retired from the Sheriff's office in 1999 after 28 years of service.

She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. She loved her family and attending their many school and sports activities. She also enjoyed watching football, especially Ohio State, her Siamese cats, observing nature, and reading. Retha was very skilled with rug hooking and furniture refinishing. She collected Pink Panther memorabilia and was once featured in a Findlay Courier article about her extensive collection.

Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, and 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023 at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay. Retha's funeral will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Hassan Cemetery, Orange Twp.

Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Retha to Heritage Christian School, 2000 Broad Ave., Findlay, Ohio, 45840. Online condolences can be expressed to the family by visiting coldrencrates.com.