TELFORD, Pa. – Emma R. Fretz, 89, formerly of Hilltown Township, Pa., and Winona Lake, went to be with her Lord Oct. 8, 2014, in Hagerstown, Md. She was born in Smedley, Va., to James and Anna Cassel Jones. She was married to Walter R. Fretz, her husband of 52 years, who died in 1999. She graduated from the former Lansdale High School, second in her class. She then became a registered nurse, graduating from Abington Hospital School of Nursing. She lived with Dorothy Wolf and family in Lansdale and went to Hatfield Church of the Brethren. She and Walter began housekeeping in Souderton, then moved to Hilltown Township, where they raised their four children. They co-founded Penn Valley Grace Brethren Church, Telford. She was active in the leadership of Women’s Missionary Council, both locally and nationally. In 1972, they moved to Winona Lake where years later they co-founded Lakeland Grace Brethren Church, Warsaw. She began and pursued an interest in decorating a wide variety of eggs. She was well-known nationally for her artistry, in the world of egg crafting, and she was willing to share her knowledge and skills with others. When conducting egg shows, she integrated creativity God’s creation and sharing the gospel. She also had a serious interest in gardening and all sorts of crafts, including quilling and cast plastic. In her later years at Grace Village, she engaged others to read the Bible to her, hoping they would be influenced by what they read. Surviving are four children: Jane Hennig (and spouse Bernhard), Rutsweiler Am Glan, Germany; James (and spouse Kathy) Fretz, Lansdale; the Rev. Jay (and spouse Beth) Fretz, Waynesboro, Pa.; and the Rev. John (and spouse Barbara) Fretz, Canton, Ga.; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded by two great-grandchildren. Services will be at 11 a.m. Oct. 23 at Williams-Bergey-Koffel Funeral Home Inc., 667 Harleysville Pike, Telford, Franconia Township. Burial is in Sellersville Cemetery. Calling is from 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 23 at the funeral home. ***** Memorials to Lakeland Grace Brethren Church, 2538 S. County Farm Road, Warsaw, IN 46580. Condolences may be sent via www.williamsbergeykoffel.com
