Phillip “Phil” Lee Reither, age 81, of Bowling Green, OH passed away with his wife at his side on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at Grand Rapids Care Center where he had resided since April of 2022 due to dementia related health issues. He was born on Jan. 16, 1943 at Perrysburg Hospital in Perrysburg, OH to Glenn and Phyllis (Shue) Reither. He attended Perrysburg Schools leaving to join the Air Force in 1960. Phil married Sue Gonyer in 1967 and they had 2 children together before their marriage ended. Phil found love again and married Martha “Marty” Jane Diederich on November 28, 1980 at St. Mark’s in Bowling Green, OH. Phil and Marty blended their families and celebrated nearly 44 years of marriage together.
Most of Phil’s working years were spent at Seaway Food Town as a delivery driver. He had many friends on his route and always had time for a chat and a cup of coffee after unloading. He spent his final years with all of his friends working in the warehouse. After his “official retirement” he did what he really enjoyed working on his “cars.” He worked at T-Grays Automotive and George Ballas as the new car delivery driver. He loved his beard and took great pride in never shaving.
In Phil’s younger years he enjoyed motorcycling, drag racing which later progressed to his love of classic cars and going cruising. He also enjoyed raising chicken, sold eggs at the farmer’s market and became known as the “eggman”. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church where he assisted with the youth group “Hilltop Hangout”. He enjoyed tv, and his lazyboy recliner.
Sadly, Phil developed dementia and in 2022 required 24hr care. He then relocated to Grand Rapids Care Center until he passed. He had great care and made many friends who were very helpful in making his journey as good as it could be. He never lost his ability to joke with the nurses and they learned the definition of his favorite word “NO”.
Special thanks for all the support from family and friends. Keeping the final week watch over him a very special thank you to James, Ophelia. Rebecca and Krissy.
In addition to his wife Marty, Phil is survived by his children: Willian “Todd” (Kelly) Reither of Pemberville, Robert (Sandie) Reither of Naples, FL, James Reither of Pemberville, stepchildren: Katie (Bob) Shoemaker of Nathdwara, India, and Joe (Natasha) Walter of Tiffin. Grandchildren: Ophelia, Lily, Noah, Zach, Alex, Adrianna, Alana, Aleisia, David, Darin and 7 Great-grandchildren with 1 on the way. Siters-in-law: Ruth Reither, Mary Moneysmith, Patty Carr, 1 sister, numerous nieces, nephews and k-9 grandkid; Kali. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Sue, brothers; Duane and Jim Reither.
The family will announce a rembrace service at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may take the form of contributions to: The Wounded Warriors Project. Those wishing to express a word of encouragement or share a memory or photo may do so at www.marshfuneralhomes.com.
