Joretta M. Widmyer

joretta widmyer

July 14, 1931 ~ July 18, 2024

Born in: Cherrytree, Pennsylvania

Joretta “Jo” M. (Swartzfager) Widmyer went to be with her Lord on July 18, 2024.

Jo was the last surviving child of Harry P. and Nettie Irene (Metz) Swartzfager . Born on July 14, 1931 in Cherrytree, Jo was one of six siblings: Ada Virginia, Phyllis, Catherine (June), Harry Jr., and Ernest. She often spoke of how happy she would be to meet her sister, Ada Virginia, in heaven as she passed before Jo was born at a very young age,

On October 14, 1949, Jo was married to Henry “Hank” A. Widmyer, the love of her life. Hank preceded Jo in death November 3, 2012. The couple share 63 years of blessed marriage, three children, nine grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren.

She was very active in her church where she was a member of the United Methodist Women, a bible study and Sunday school teacher, Bible school participant, and choir member. One of her proudest opportunities was attending Lay Leader school and representing her church at the conference. Many were welcomed at the doors of Nicklin United Methodist with a warm smile and hug from Jo and her late husband.

Jo did complete the 10th grade year, which is above average for her era. She was very proud to have the opportunity to take and pass her GED test when she was in her 40s. She never quite liked modern emails or cellphones, but all she knew received a birthday card every year once she learned their birthdate. Writing in her daily journals and letters was a passion for her along with her dream of being a country music singer as she was a self taught guitar player. She was quick whitted and had a great sense of humor.

She did not enjoy cooking but would feed anyone who came to her home. Christmas cookie baking is one of the family traditions that all her family looked forward to whether to help bake or just eat cookies.

Jo worked as a florist for many years at Anderson’s Greenhouse until her retirement. Once retired, she was blessed and happy to help neighborhood families with babysitting. These families remained special and always were considered to be beloved to her as family.

She is survived by three children, Ralph E. Widmyer of Spartansburg, SC, Wallace “Wally” Widmyer of Spartansburg, SC, and Virginia (Jack) M. Rial of Henry’s Bend, Oil City, Pa; her beloved grandchildren Michael (Jami) Widmyer of Moore, SC; Marcy Jo Brown of Franklin, Pa; Meda Lawrence of Franklin, Pa; Teresa (Michael) Winger of Franklin, PA; LTC Robert (Amanda) Widmyer of Fort Bliss, TX; David (Anna)Widmyer of Sarasota, FL; Travis (Danita) Repman of Kings Mountain, NC; Benjamin (Mariya) Widmyer of Lyman, SC; and Jeffrey (Taylor) Rial of Fredericksburg, VA.

Along with her parents, husband, and siblings, Jo was preceded in death by her daughters-in-law Linda Widmyer, Violet Widmyer, and Sally Guth.

Friends and family are asked to call at the Gardinier-Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, on Sunday, July 21, 2024 from 1 pm to 4 pm and Monday, July 22, 2024 at the Nicklin United Methodist Church, 2602 Water Works Road, Franklin, starting at 11 am with a service at Noon to follow.

Jo will be laid to rest next to her husband at Nicklin Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donation to: Venango County Humane Society, 286 S Main St, Seneca, PA 16346; Nicklin United Methodist Church, 2602 Water Works Rd, Franklin, PA 16323 or The Collins House c/o The Venango VNA Foundation, 491 Allegheny Blvd., Franklin, PA 16323.

Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Jo’s Book of Memories online at www.WarrenFH.com.

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  1. Grandmas house was the best part of every vacation. Yahtzee around the dining room table, & normally always sugar cookies on the back porch, and weenie roasting with the whole family in her back yard 🩷 she will be missed dearly. Love Katie 🩷

  2. Ginny and Jack.
    We send our deepest sympathies to you and your family as you go through this sad time.
    Lynn and Gloria

  3. Dear Ginny and Jack
    Although I didn’t know your mom, I often heard you talk about what an amazing woman she was.
    Jo was obviously loved by soo many and I’m sure will be missed by them. Please accept my deepest sympathy ! Treasure the lovely memories you have of your mom.
    Love
    Susan English.


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