Mary Jane Pethtel

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Ray Pethtel; parents, George and Dolly Eckenrod; and her sister-in-law, Mary Brumbaugh.

She is survived by her three daughters, Jennifer Minor (Tom), Leslie Van Auken (Ken) and Judy Milliron (Scott); sister, Judy Botella (Ray); grandchildren, Austin, Stephanie and Kathleen; and many dogs and grand-dogs.

Mary Jane was born to George and Dolly Eckenrod in Natrona Heights, PA . She graduated from St. Joseph's Catholic School in 1957 and received her Associates Degree from the University of Pittsburgh and worked at Citizens General Hospital where she started her career as a laboratory technician. She retired as a lab tech from the Richmond Eye and Ear Hospital after a number of years. She was an owner of Athena's Boutique in Christiansburg, VA.

She met the love of her life, Ray, on a blind date. They moved to Penn State where they started a family while Ray went to college. For 60 years they had an adventurous life together, visiting all 50 states, white water rafting and venturing to such faraway places as China and Korea. She loved rescuing dogs, had a green-thumb, and enjoyed cooking, entertaining, music, movies, reading and crossword puzzles. She was a lifetime fan of football, especially Penn State, Notre Dame and the Pittsburgh Steelers. But most of all she was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, she will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know her.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Friday, January 20 at Woody Funeral Home - Huguenot Chapel.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Richmond SPCA, richmondspca.org or P.A.L., preventalitter.org.