Obituary of Retha May Sortor

Retha May Scherer was born at home in Temperance, Michigan on October 17, 1944. She was one of three children born from the union of John and Hazel (McComb) Scherer. Retha graduated from Monroe High School along with the class of 1961.

On March 11, 1961, she married the love of her life: Richard Earl Sorter, Sr. at their home church of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Temperance. The couple was blessed with the birth of six children.

Retha relished in her role as a homemaker.  She loved caring for the needs of her husband and children.   After the passing of her sister Joanne, Retha was thankful for the opportunity to step in and help raise her children as well.

For ten years, Retha also worked outside the home as a realtor for Gerweck Realty Group. A self-proclaimed spitfire, Retha’s sassy spirit did not deter her from making friends quickly. Her golden and caring  heart  allowed her to never meet a stranger.

In her free time, Retha could often be seen baking a dessert or whipping up a German style meal for her family to enjoy. On occasion, she visited the local mall to peruse the clothing racks and find a special deal.

Retha May Sortor, age 78, of Monroe, passed away at her home at 11:51am under the care of ProMedica Hospice, on Saturday; December 10, 2022. Her passing was preceded by her parents; a sister: Joanne Kaminski: a brother: Robert Scherer: a son-in-law: Paul Wilson; and two grandsons.

To cherish her memory, she leaves her husband of sixty-one years: Richard; seven children: Robin (Thomas) Reeck of Luna Pier, Wendy (Mike) Koekpe of Houston, Texas, Richard (Tammy) Sortor, Jr. of Monroe, Kelly Greer-Haynes (Brad Haynes) of Luna Pier, Tracey Wilson of Skidway Lake, Michigan, Rodney (Jennifer) Sortor of Temperance, and Lance (Amy) Sortor of Dundee; sixteen grandchildren; thirty-eight great grandchildren and one canine companion, a Dachshund named “Buddy Boy”.

Retha’s care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. Cremation will take place through the on site crematory,  Covenant Cremation in Erie.

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