Lela R. Rech

Lela R. Rech, age 99, of Lancaster, died on Monday, November 21, 2011, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home, rural Lancaster. She was born on August 21, 1912, in Beetown Township, the oldest child of four born to Harvey and Nettie (Kitelinger) Bass. Lela attended Badger and Five Points country school. On December 25, 1930, she was united in marriage to Henry E. Rech in Beetown Township. After their marriage, the couple farmed dairy, beef and hogs. Lela enjoyed gardening and cooking. She participated in 4-H and was a superintendent for cooking and canning classes for several years. Lela also was employed at Ramshaw's Greenhouse. She was a member of the Lancaster United Methodist Church, the Royal Neighbors of America, serving as their secretary until the age of 98, and the Rebecca Lodge. Lela enjoyed crocheting, quilting and traveling. She has been to all fifty states and several countries. Lela collected recipes and enjoyed puzzles. Most of all, she loved to cook, bake and spend time with her family.

Survivors include her son, Roger Rech, Lancaster; four daughters: Dorothy Eck, Linda (Arvin Weber) Barr, Marcia (Dan) Mitchell, all of Lancaster; Sharon (Steve) Klein, Cassville; son-in-law, Harold Sweeney, Lancaster; twenty-two grandchildren; thirty-nine great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; a sister, Virginia Gates, Lancaster; other relatives and many friends.

In addition to her parents, Lela was preceded in death by her husband, Henry; children: Charles Rech, Shirley Sweeney, and Stephen Rech; grandchildren: Dana Rech, Lori Sweeney, and Eric Barr; daughters-in-law: Iris Rech, Shirley Rech, Marilyn Rech, and Susan Rech; sons-in-law: Stanley Eck and William Barr; two brothers: Walter (Etha) Bass and Louis (Mildred) Bass; a brother-in-law, John Gates; and sisters-in-law: Leola (John) Krohn and Florence(Walter) Gratz.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, November 27, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. at the Lancaster United Methodist Church with Pastor Barbara Cook officiating. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends called on Saturday, November 26, 2011, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Martin Funeral Home in Lancaster and on Sunday from 12:00 noon until time of services at the church.