Linda “Lynn” Retter, 69, of Hagerstown, Indiana, passed away on Monday, Dec. 17, 2018, at Reid Hospital in Richmond, Indiana.
Lynn was born April 26, 1949, in El Dorado, Kansas, to Jack E and Mary Lou (Oakley) Griffith. In 1986, she married Richard Retter and they resided in Losantville, Indiana, until moving to their current home in Hagerstown, Indiana.
For 34 years, she worked at Cambridge City Family Medicine. During that time, she became a well-known personality in the Hagerstown and Cambridge City communities. Her vibrant, caring, and comical, yet straightforward manner won the hearts of both patients and fellow employees alike. She wore a smile on her face and laughter in her heart.
An avid and creative quilter, embroiderer, and crafter, Lynn was always on the look-out for her next project. As a quilter, she won many blue ribbons and was well regarded by her peers. She especially enjoyed making a keepsake quilt for her granddaughter Sydney, based on original artwork by a local artist. Lynn’s home was always decorated for each season and holiday. She particularly enjoyed her shopping excursions to acquire new treasures for her endeavors. Countless hours at local festivals, craft shows, antique stores, and thrift shops kept her well supplied and ready for any occasion. She equally loved caring for her cats and dogs, who often had special meals cooked just for their enjoyment.
Lynn was very proud to celebrate her Native American heritage, descending from the Cherokee and Osage tribes. She was a direct descendent of Moytoy, Great Chief of Tellico and Supreme Chief of Cherokees (9th great-grandfather) and Nanyehi, aka Nancy Ward, the last true “Beloved Woman of the Cherokee” (6th great-grandmother). Like her ancestors Lynn’s life was not always easy, but she chose to live by the Cherokee parable of the “The Two Wolves”. She made a happy and fruitful life of it all by feeding the good wolf.
Lynn is survived by her husband Richard; daughter April Rosenberger; stepchildren Randy Retter (Jackie) and Renee Retter; and beloved grandchildren Tyler, Alexis, Sydney, Ayden, and Ronan. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Culberson Funeral Home, 51 South Washington Street, Hagerstown, Indiana. A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to any animal shelter of your choice.