Myrtle M. Reinike

Myrtle M. Reinike, 97, of Hesston, PA, formerly of Lancaster County, Chester County, and New Castle County, DE, passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Cedar Haven Healthcare Center in Lebanon, PA.

She was the widow of the late William Arthur Reinike, Jr. who died in 2011. They were married for 22 years. Prior to her marriage to Art, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Howard E. Ewing, in 1986 after 37 years of marriage. Born in 1927 in Coatesville, PA, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Mamie (Seace) Lawrence.

Myrtle was employed by Pepperidge Farm in Downingtown, PA for 24 years, retiring in 1988. She was probably best known for being an artist and crafter. The spark of creativity was passed down from her mother Mamie and served her well during her many years as a devoted Girl Scout Leader. When Myrtle's own children were grown, she moved into ceramics, eventually settling on the fine art of porcelain painting as her passion. She became accomplished at making china dolls, pouring, painting on porcelain, and creating original items of all kinds. She loved making unique Christmas ornaments each year and gifting them to everyone. She was well known and loved in the world of China Painting and beyond. She gathered new friends everywhere she went with her playful attitude, generosity, and the affection she shared with family and friends new and old.

She was the quintessential grandmother, not only to her grandchildren but to all children she encountered. She was playful and possessed unlimited patience in teaching them to paint and make other crafts. Late in life, she became the sweet lady loved by her many caregivers.

She is survived by two children, Deborah Hollick (Eugene) of Hesston, PA, and Kevin Ewing of Honeybrook, PA; seven grandchildren: Valerie George (Rogers), Darren Hollick (Beth), Kevin Ewing, Jr., Kyle Ewing, Rachel Ewing, Linda Ewing and Jessica Ewing; 10 great grandchildren, and five great great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Margaret Evans of Todd, PA and the dearest of family friends Joanie Emig of Elverson. She had four stepchildren, seven step grandchildren, and 16 step great grandchildren. Her daughter Barbara Gibson, son Howard Ewing, and three brothers Robert, Franklin, and Gerald Lawrence also preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main St. Parkesburg, PA with visitation from 10:00 AM to the time of the service. Interment will follow at 2:00 PM at the Fairview Cemetery in Coatesville, PA.

A celebration of life will also be held at her home in Hesston, PA on November 10. Please contact the family for details.

Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com