Reta Switzer

SWITZER, Reta Fern (nee Sidell) Passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior at age 88 on June 8, 2019, at Seneca Lake Terrace in Geneva, NY. Reta was the daughter of the late Irvin and Beatrice (nee Hirons) Sidell of Imlay City, Michigan, born on April 23, 1931.   At a young age she accepted Jesus as her Savior and committed her life to following Him. In her late teen years, she attended Grand Rapids Bible Institute for a year. She returned to her home church in Michigan, where she met and later married her pastor’s brother, Frederick Switzer of Penn Yan, New York, on February 28, 1950. They were married for 57 years and raised their six children in Penn Yan. Reta was an active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church for many years, taught children’s Bible clubs, worked at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital, and enjoyed crocheting, gardening, singing and playing piano. Her home was always open to extended family, friends, and even strangers. She loved her front deck and spent many hours enjoying God’s creation, especially birds, flowers, and sunsets across Keuka Lake. Reta was predeceased by her husband, Fred (2007), their son, Arthur (1999) and three babies at birth: Marlin (1953), Paul (1962), and Peter (1963). Survived by her children: Gary (Cher), Ronald (Jo-Anne), Marilyn (Gerald) Carroll, Lorinda (Walter) Dyck, and Jonathan (Joann), as well as 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Also survived by her sister, Iris Thayer, and many nieces and nephews and predeceased by her brother, James Sidell. Arrangements entrusted to Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan. A memorial service will be held on June 22, 2019 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 332 Main Street, Penn Yan, NY, with visitation at 9 am and the service at 10 am.