Marquetta Rieger Obituary
Marquetta L. Rieger (nee Gibson), of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Saturday August 9, 2025, with her family by her side. She was 76 years old. Born June 1, 1949 in Pikeville, KY, she was the daughter of the late Bruce and Sarah (nee Adkins) Gibson, and the beloved wife of Daniel J. Rieger, Sr. with whom she shared 56 devoted years of marriage.
Marquetta's deepest passion in life was her family. Together with Dan, through the strength of their marriage and commitment to their faith, raised their kids in a loving environment. She was always present volunteering for their school, scouting and social activities. Her family loved to go camping, spend summer days at Metro Beach near their home in Michigan and often gathered the kids to set out on weekend adventures with other family and friends.
Years passed, her children married and began families of their own. Her five grandsons ultimately became the joy of her life. She and Dan would host frequent family gatherings, annual Holiday trips to Lancaster with the boys, and gather them for a weekly "Cousin's Night" which they always looked forward to. She was happiest with them in her presence.
Marquetta was an avid gardener, impeccable seamstress and an amazing cook. She loved to share her interests with her children and grandchildren whenever possible.
A graduate of Hazel Park High School, Hazel Park Michigan, Marquetta began her working life as a security guard and supervisor for Federal's Department Store in Detroit Michigan. As she began to start a family and her young children grew, Marquetta went on to become a teacher's assistant. In 1980, she and her family relocated to Montgomery County, Pennsylvania where she continued to work in the same role for Upper Merion High School.
In her mid-forties, Marquetta began working with the youth ministry after school programs in Norristown, serving and ministering to underprivileged youth. Her commitment to helping others along with her strong faith led her on a path to becoming a fully ordained Minister. Marquetta served as an associate Pastor at the Fairview Village Church of the Nazarene where she was instrumental in developing the Celebrate the Journey Program, Lights in the Village Outreach, and the Fairview Village Christian Counseling Center. Through her devotion to faith, she helped and touched the lives of many.
In addition to her husband, Daniel, Marquetta is survived by her son Daniel J. Rieger, Jr. (Lauren) and her daughter Deanna J. Reiss (Andrew), five grandsons; Daniel J. Rieger, III., Andrew P.R. Reiss, Jason L. Rieger, Nathaniel J.R. Reiss, and Matthew R. Rieger, her sister; Bernadette S. Griffith (Charles), her four brothers; Harold D. Gibson (Cecilia), Winston D. Gibson (Connie ), James M. Gibson (Lea) and George W. Gibson (Lisa), two sisters-in-law; Linda Gibson and Angie Gibson, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her two brothers; Randall E. Gibson and Bruce G. Gibson.
Relatives and friends are invited to share in Marquetta's Life Celebration Visitation, on Sunday August 17, from 2 PM to 2:50 PM at Fairview Village Church of the Nazarene 3044 W. Germantown Pike, Eagleville. Her Memorial Service will begin at 3 PM at the church. Family services are by Boyd-Horrox-Givnish of East Norriton, 610-277-7000. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marquetta's name can be made to The Village Norristown Ministry at fairviewvillagechurch.com.
Published by WFMZ-TV 69 News on Aug. 13, 2025.