Age 92, was born in Lewisport, Kentucky and died February 18, 2014 in Edgewood, NM. She is survived by her children, Elaine Andersen and husband, John, Theresa Gilstrap, Bob Reithel and wife, Sherry, Cathy Wyant and husband, Chet, Brian Reithel and wife, Vicki; foster son, Shawn Perkins and wife, Tonya; 11 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; sisters, Jean Howard and June Emmick and many other family and friends.
Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, her parents, James and Zenada Emmick, her son, James Frederick Reithel and her granddaughter, April Reithel.
Mrs. Reithel attended Western Kentucky State Teachers College where she met and married her husband, Lt. Robert James Reithel. He received a bronze star while serving in the infantry during WWII and received the rank of Lt. Col when honorably discharged. After healing from war wounds and upon completion of his graduate degree in physics at the University of Kentucky, he moved with his family in 1953 to continue his research at Los Alamos Laboratories and lived there until 1969 when they moved to Clovis.
Later she attended and received her LPN degree from Eastern New Mexico University, Clovis Campus. She served as a nurse at Clovis High Plains Hospital. She was a longtime member of the Daughters of the American Revolution "El Portal" Chapter in Clovis and Portales.
She was a founder and charter member of the Curry County, N.M. genealogical society and served as secretary and president. She wrote and published two genealogical books, one on the Emmick family from Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky and one on the family of Norman Petty of Clovis, N.M., who was the producer for Buddy Holly. She was an active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Los Alamos, The Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Clovis, NM and The Shrine of St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Albuquerque.
She raised five children and was a loving and supportive wife and mother enduring the loss of her son, her husband and a beloved granddaughter, April.
Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, February 26, 2014, 9:00 a.m. at The Shrine of St Bernadette Catholic Church, 11401 Indian School Rd. NE, Albuquerque, with burial following at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Friends may visit Tuesday, February 25, 2014, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas. Memorial contributions may be made to the NM Heart Association, 2201 San Pedro Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Please visit the online guest book for Louise atFrenchFunerals.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
March 1, 2014
Joann (McClain) Kennedy
My deepest sympathy to your family on the loss of your mother and grandmother. My mother, Lorraine McClain was a good friend of your mothers for many years while attending Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Your parents were great people as I remember both of them while growing up in Clovis and attending Sacred Heart. May you all be blessed in knowing what a wonderful lady your mother was and that she was blessed by a wonderful life filled with the love of her children and grandchildren. My mother now resides in Ft Worth, TX close to my brother and his family. I will let her know about your beloved mother. In God's Love, Joann (McClain) Kennedy
February 24, 2014
Bruce and Julie Iacobelli
Cathy, So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was a wonderful lady. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time!
February 23, 2014
Alva and Derinda Carter
Cathy,
We are sorry to hear of your loss. We did not know your mom, how every her obituary sounds like she was a very interesting lady. We do know you and she has left her legacy in good hands. May you have wonderful memories and God Bless you and your family.
February 22, 2014
American Heart Association
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
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