Rene L. (Wertz) Matthis

Rene Lucy (Wertz) Matthis, 87, of West Renovo, passed away on Friday, May 3, 2019 at Bucktail Medical Center, South Renovo.

On June 4, 1955, Rene married the love of her life, Frederick “Skip” Matthis who proceeded her in death on October 28, 1993.

She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her family affectionately called her Baba Rene and she was well known for her delicious homemade bread.

She was born on July 30, 1931 and was the daughter of the late Clyde E. and Lucy A. (Fantaski) Wertz of West Renovo and was blessed to have 13 siblings growing up.

Rene was a devout member of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Renovo.  She enjoyed playing the piano, knitting, crocheting, baking, working in the yard, flowers, watching her soaps, and spending time with her family.  She had a zest for life and had a quick wit.  Rene had worked at the “old” shirt factory, Piper Aircraft, and retired as an Assistant Activities Director at Bucktail Medical Center.

She is survived by four daughters; Melinda (George) Werts of Lewiston, New York, Cathy (Ronald) Dremel of Hyner, Patricia (James) Cozzi of Renovo and Lorrie (Richard) Morton of Jersey Shore,  seven grandchildren; Lucinda (John) Coey, Jessica (Craig) Dubler, Valerie (Joseph) Kohari, Jeffrey (Haley) Dremel, James (Kelly) Cozzi, Nicole (Donny Boulanger) Cozzi, and Bethany Morton, nine great grandchildren; Calvin, Lola, Cooper Coey, Isabelle, Paige Dubler, Joseph (Jay) Kohari, Chase and Harvey Dremel and Hallie Cozzi, two brothers; Clyde (Donna) Wertz of Lock Haven and Larry (Carlen) Wertz of Renovo, two sisters; Virginia Johnson and Susan, a special brother-in-law, John (Jack) O’Toole along with several nieces and nephews who she adored.

In addition to her parents and husband, Rene was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Samantha Morton, who passed away on November 27, 1995, eight brothers; Edwin, Darwin, Brian, Tracey, Walter, Roy, Rodger and Mark and one sister; Evelyn Watson.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Renovo or the Bucktail Medical Center Activities’ Department.

A public viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at Maxwell Funeral Home, 205 Fifth Street, Renovo followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 925 Huron Ave., Renovo, at 1:00 p.m. with the Reverend Joseph Orr officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery privately.  A reception will be held at Sportsman Hotel and Restaurant for family and friends following the Mass.