Isabell Clarissa Reitz

Isabell Clarissa Reitz, 74, of Farmington, N.M. died Monday, March 16, 2009. She was born to Albert Melcher and Bertha Osterman and raised in Laramie, Wyoming. Isabell graduated from High School in 1953 and continued her education at the University of Wyoming, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1958. She met her husband, Michael Reitz, an engineer, while attending the university. They were married June 7, 1959. Isabell continued to work as a Resisted Nurse until her first Daughter, Ann, was born. At that time, she stayed home to raise her daughter. A few years later, her daughter, Barbra, was born and Isabell continued to be a stay-at-home mother for her two girls. When both daughters were in their teens, Isabell returned to her nursing career. She was blessed to perform her nursing in many different areas including pediatrics, geriatrics, emergency, psychiatric, and private practice. Once both the girls graduated from college, Isabell and Michael traveled the US and, at some point of their lives together, have visited all 50 states. In 1990, Isabell and Michael settled in Farmington and eventually retired there. Isabell is survived by her husband of 49 years, Michael Reitz, daughter Ann Hoftyzer and her husband Brad Hoftyer of California, daughter Barbra Calvert and her husband John Calvert of Florida, two grandchildren Brandilyn Hoftyzer and Timothy Calvert, and brother Robert Melcher of Laramie, Wyoming, and Albert Melcher of Texas. Arrangements are with Alternative Choice Funeral & Cremation Service 804 N. Dustin Avenue Farmington, NM 87401 (505) 326-3671