Helen Bretz

Helen "Marietta" Bretz, age 90 and longtime resident of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, passed away on Saturday, April 7, 2012, at Medicalodges in Dewey. Helen Marietta Stivers was born on June 19, 1921 in Litchfield, Illinois. She was the daughter of Merl Freeman Stivers and Helen Marietta (Neel) Stivers. As a young child her family moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma then on to Bartlesville. She graduated from Bartlesville High School in 1938 and following graduation became employed with Phillips Petroleum Company. Marietta was united in marriage to Everett M. Bretz, Jr. on June 8, 1941 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After they were married, Everett was sent to Camp Ord in California to continue his military training. He was a member of the 312th Field Artillery Battalion of the U.S. Army and fought in France and Germany during World War II. After his discharge in 1946, Everett resumed his position at Phillips Petroleum Company in Bartlesville where he and Marietta made their home for the remainder of their lives. Everett preceded her in death on December 7, 1984 after 43 years of marriage. Marietta was a homemaker while her children were growing up. After her youngest child left for college she worked in the medical office of G. L. Norris, M.D. in charge of medical records. Marietta was a volunteer for many years at the Jane Phillips Medical Center. She and Everett enjoyed playing bridge and were involved in several bridge groups over the years. They also enjoyed traveling and made several trips to the British Isles and Europe during their retirement. She was an avid reader who also enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening and flower arranging throughout her life. She was an amazing cook and always enjoyed entertaining. Marietta was a very warm person who loved her family very much and was always available to be of help to family and friends. She had been a resident of Medicalodges of Dewey since 2005. Marietta was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Everett; daughter, Helen Marietta Hall; and brother, John Stivers. She is survived by her son, Allen M. Bretz and his wife, Freda, of Bartlesville; son-in-law, Bruce D. Hall and his wife, Patricia, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; grandchildren, Matthew Bretz and his wife, Regina, of Bartlesville, Amanda Bretz of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Hayley Bretz of Norman, Oklahoma, David Hall and wife, Rosanne, of Papillion, Nebraska, Stephen Hall of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and four great-grandchildren.