Renetta  (Schmidtberger) Witt ,93, of Russell, Kansas, passed away September 23, 2019 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She was born Renetta Marie Schmidtberger on March 12, 1926 in Gorham, Kansas the daughter of Frank and Mary (Mermis) Schmidtberger.  She grew up on a farm in Gorham, Kansas with five other siblings. 

Renetta spent the last five years living with her daughter Marlene Thompson in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Renetta was united in marriage to Lloyd J. Witt on April 6, 1948. Lloyd was engaged in farming and owned Witt Motor Company. Lloyd preceded her in death on May 19, 1967. As well as her parents Frank and Mary Schmidtberger, brothers Ed, Herman and Al and her sister Marcella Haselhorst. Surviving Renetta is her brother, Linus Schmidtberger, of Corpus Christi, Texas, many nieces and nephews.

From this union, Renetta and Lloyd were blessed with two daughters.  Mrs. Connie (Gary) Patterson of Lawrence, Kansas and Ms. Marlene Thompson of Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She leaves behind 5 grandchildren who adored her, Ryan (Rachelle) Patterson, Charlotte, North Carolina, Laura Patterson, Austin, Texas, Mark (Elisabet) Thompson, Shawnee Kansas, Matt Thompson, Lee’s Summit, Missouri and Travis (Maria) Thompson, Stuttgart, Germany. Four great grandchildren  Avery, Liam and Reid Patterson and Mia Thompson.  She will be remembered as a caring mother, grandmother, great grandmother and dear friend with a cheerful smile.
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Renetta worked at the City Bakery when she first came to Russell and the Safeway Store.  Then she worked for over 40 years at Banker’s Mercantile from 1943-1985.  She was seventeen years old when she began working for Banker’s in the Ladies Department.  She loved her job and was especially fond of assisting customers to find the clothing fashions to best suit their needs and coordinating accessories. She loved going on vacations with her daughters and their families.

Renetta was a member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, a lifetime member of the Ladies VFW Post #620 Auxiliary, St. Mary’s Church Guild, The Elks Lodge, Hallmark Collector’s Club and the Russell Antique Collector’s Club.   She was an avid Kansas University basketball fan, cordially sent greeting cards and letters to family and friends, enjoyed embroidery work and loved flowers and all things that were glittery. She often attended auctions and had a passion for antique glassware.

A Celebration of the Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10:30 AM, Friday, September 27, 2019 at St. Mary Queen of Angels Church of Russell with Father Mike Elan officiating.  Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday September 26 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.  Vigil and Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM, Thursday, September 26, 2019 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church.  Memorials have been established with  St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church or Russell Legacy Fund (Russell Historical Society).  Contributions and condolences may be left with Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.