Lucille E. Reitz was born on March 16, 1918 in Lorraine, Kansas. Lucille grew up on her parent's family farm. After graduating in 1940 with a degree in home economics from Kansas State, she taught home economics at Quinter High School for two years. Lucille married Ralph E. Reitz of Shady Bend in the First Baptist Church, Lorraine, Ks., February 13, 1942. They moved to Salina, where Ralph joined the accounting practice of Kennedy and Coe.

Lucille was lovingly committed to her husband, sons, and grandchildren but also found time and energy to devote to numerous charitable and community activities. Lucille and Ralph were active and committed members of First Christian Church. Lucille was active in her son's schools' PTA organizations fulfilling many offices. She was a past president of Salina Downtown Lioness Club and member of the board of the YWCA, Tuesday Book Club, Republican Women, Parliamentarians and Treble Clef. Lucille volunteered for numerous organizations including Smoky Hill Historical Museum, Asbury Hospital, First Christian Church, and Salina Presbyterian Manor.

Mrs. Reitz is preceded in death by her parents, the former Lillian Melchert and Benedict W. Mollhagen and her husband, Ralph, in 1994, and a sister, Vida Jean Mollhagen.

Survivors include three sons, Ralph K. Reitz and wife Jean of Lawrence, Kenneth Reitz and wife Christina and Sidney Reitz and wife Susy, all of Salina; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the First Christian Church, Salina, the Revs. Greg and Kim Rea officiating. Private burial will be will be before the memorial service in Roselawn Memorial Park, Salina.

Memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Manor or First Christian Church.

Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m. today at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina 67401, where the family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m.