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Laretha Mettler
09/04/1937 — 02/15/2015
From Richland, WA | Born in Summit, AR
Laretha Mettler
LaRetha “Retha” Mettler (Johnson) died peacefully on February 15th, 2015 in Hospice at Tri City Chaplaincy at the age of 77.
Retha was born on September 4th, 1937 in Summit, AR to Raymond & Berniece Johnson. She graduated from Cherokee County High School in 1955, and went on to receive her Registered Nursing degree in 1958.
In 1959 Retha married George “Bill” W. Mettler, a freshly degreed mechanical engineer. Once married the couple decided there were better opportunities for employment in Washington State; so arrangements were made and off they went.
After moving to Richland, WA in 1960, Retha began working for Kadlec Hospital as a float nurse and later transitioned to the Richland Clinic as a pediatric nurse.
In 1963 Retha and Bill welcomed a baby boy into their home and named him David. In 1966 a baby girl, named Gayla joined the family.
Retha developed her career locally with a select few long term positions. Finally retiring with Dr’s Corrado & Hamner at Northwest Asthma & Allergy in the Corrado Building. Throughout her career, and in her retirement, Retha enjoyed many volunteer activities, including home health care of persons in need, and a part time position at Central United Protestant Church.
Retha is survived by her children: David Mettler and Gayla (Harold) Mettler Adkins; her siblings: Shirley (Clifford) Stenvall, Merita Ausborn, Harold (Andrea) Johnson and “the twins” - Carrol (Ben) Watson, and Darrel (Judy) Johnson; and by her grandchildren: Danielle, Samantha and Lane.
Retha’s husband, George William Mettler, as well as her parents, Raymond and Berniece Johnson, and several very dear friends precede her in death.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 1:00pm, Saturday, February 21st, at Central United Protestant Church in Richland, where Retha has been an active member since 1960. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Retha’s life. Please bring one unique photo of Retha, if you have one, for the family keepsake and display. Condolences maybe shared on Retha’s online memorial at www.einansatsunset.com. The family would like to thank Tri City Chaplaincy and Hospice for their undying dedication.
My Condolences to the family. Heaven has retrieved one of their most precious Angels! I was blessed to have known you! I came to know what real unconditional love is, when I came to live with Retha & Bill with their first grandchild Samantha N. Mettler, when she was 3 mths old, for 6mths & again when she was 18 mths for another 7 mths. They opened their home to us, they showered us with so much love n kindness! I learned what a real family was. Then their second grandchild Danielle Rae Mettler was born, they were the most wonderful grandparents that I could have ever dreamed of. Their is so much more that I can say, but it would take a book! In short I feel I became a better person for having them in my life, I feel truly Honored, Blessed, and more then could ever fit on this page! You were truly an exceptional Human being and the world is a better place because you were in it! I will never forget how amazing you were, Thank You for being you! I will always love you! Jannie Columbia
My condolences to Retha’s family. I had the pleasure of being a co-worker and a friend. A kinder, more gentle person could not be found. She will be missed.
Guestbook for
Laretha Mettler