Evelyn Rechtenbaugh

Obituary of Evelyn Rechtenbaugh
Evelyn Rechtenbaugh, 84, of Freehold, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, July 12, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born in the Jamaica section of Queens, NY, Evelyn spent her early years in Valley Stream before moving to New Jersey in 1962 and settling in Freehold in 1965, where she created a warm and welcoming home to raise her family. Evelyn's life was a quiet testament to kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her faith, her family, and her community. A deeply spiritual woman, Evelyn was a beloved presence at St. Robert Bellarmine parish. There, she gave her time and her heart as a CCD teacher, Eucharistic minister, prayer chain member, and a smiling volunteer visiting the elderly at the local convalescent center. Her compassion extended beyond the walls of the church, as she offered gentle support and encouragement to all who crossed her path. Evelyn also dedicated over 25 years of her life as a teacher's aide, working with young children. She brought warmth and patience to the classroom each day, nurturing her students with the same unselfish care she gave her own family. She adored all children and had an extraordinary ability to make each one feel special.
At the heart of Evelyn's life was her family. Her greatest joy came from raising her children and later embracing her cherished role as Grandma. She had a natural gift for making others feel cared for, whether through her home-cooked meals, her quiet listening ear, the gentle kindness she extended without hesitation or the joy she took in celebrating her children's and grandchildren's special talents. Her home was often filled with the scent of something baking and the background sounds of game shows, sports, laughter and music – everyday joys she deeply treasured. Evelyn will be remembered not only for the life she lived, but for the love she gave so freely - always with grace, humility, and an open heart.
Evelyn was predeceased by her husband, Donald Rechtenbaugh, Sr.; her sister, Mary Card and her husband, Kelcie Card; and her sister, Elizabeth Anderson. She is survived by her brother-in-law, James Anderson and his wife Gerrie of Massapequa, NY; three daughters, Diane Dragone and her husband, Paul of Lincroft, Linda Landis and her husband, Micky of Highland Park and Lori Palmer and her husband, Cary of Farmingdale; three sons, Don Lee Rechtenbaugh of Freehold, Dominic Rechtenbaugh and his wife, Carol of Barnegat, and Glenn Rechtenbaugh and his wife, Simone of Bridgewater; thirteen grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and beloved nieces, nephews and godchildren.
Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township on Friday, July 18, 2025. For those who cannot attend in person, you are invited to participate via the funeral home's webcast, HERE. Interment will follow in St. Gabriel's Cemetery & Chapel Mausoleum, 549 Route 520, Marlboro NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Evelyn's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or HERE or the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine (Father Benedict Fund), 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township, NJ 07728 or HERE. For information, directions or to leave condolence messages for the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.