Obituary of Phyllis Jo Bretz

Phyllis Jo Bretz, 88, of 120 Aldren Ave., formerly of 140 Whitehill Ave., passed away Sunday, January 22, 2017 at the Lutheran Home. She was the widow of Charles R. Bretz whom she married October 1, 1950 in Indianapolis, Indiana and who died April 5, 2005. Phyllis was born September 24, 1928 in Indianapolis, a daughter of the late James T. and Carrie Nell Havens Hallett. She was a 1946 graduate of Thomas Carr Howe High School in Indianapolis and received her Bachelor's degree from Indiana University in 1949. An area resident since 1961, Phyllis worked as a medical technologist at WCA Hospital for 27 years, where she was supervisor of the blood bank for a number of years. She was also an instructor for the WCA med tech program. She was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and its Esther Circle and Singles Group. Phyllis was also a member of the American Association of University Women and the Marvin House, where she was a former member of the Junior Board and the Governing Board. She was a Red Cross Volunteer and a longtime blood donor. She was a member of her Bridge group for many years. Surviving are three sons: Brian R. Bretz of Hillsborough, NJ, Bruce C. (Marcia) Bretz of Lakewood, NY, and James D. (Janet Salzwedel) Bretz of Adrian, MI; and five grandchildren: James R. Bretz of Bellingham, WA, Megan and Jordan Bretz of Lakewood, and Samantha and Allison Bretz of Adrian. In addition to her husband Charles, Phyllis was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Chandler and two brothers, Fred and Byrne Hallett. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Daniel S. Rumfelt will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday and for one hour prior to the service Monday in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross or to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 825 Forest Ave., Jamestown, NY 14701.