Isabell Clarissa Reitz, 74, of Farmington, died Monday, March 16, 2009, in Farmington. She was born Feb. 26, 1935, to Albert Melcher and Bertha Osterman and raised in Laramie, Wyo.
Isabell graduated from high school in 1953 and continued her education at the University of Wyoming where she received a bachelor of science degree in nursing in 1958. She met her husband, Michael Reitz, an engineer, while attending the university. They were married June 7, 1959.
Isabell continue to work as a Registered 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 continue 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 of the girls graduated from college, Isabell and Michael traveled the U.S. 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 Hoftyzer, of California, Barbra Calvert and her husband, John Calvert, of Florida; two grandchildren, Brandilyn Hoftyzer and Timothy Calvert; brothers, Robert Melcher of Laramie and Albert Melcher of Texas.
