John Retty |
| Posted 2008-06-29 by Sharon |
| The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ June 11, 2008 “Retty’s always ready” was one of his favorite expressions, but he wasn’t ready for his stroke on May 7. John Retty was a fixture in the Morristown, Wittmann, and Wickenburg communities for 49 years. His contributions to these communities are many. Retty’s Hardware Store in Wittmann, which was the go-to place for 40 years, was not only an adventure to go through, but the place to find anything and everything. He was so proud to offer items no one else seemed to carry and the locals loved visiting him there. The paths around and throughout the store were only one person wide, but John knew exactly where everything was and how much of it he had. Along with the products came advice and sometimes help installing. His incredible work ethic began when he was 8 years old working for his father as a plumber’s helper. Throughout his life he maintained his interest in plumbing. John remained closely tied to the men of the Wittmann Volunteer Fire Department even after he retired. He always supported and appeared at all functions either with his wife or later with Dick Thompson. He volunteered in other ways when he could no longer chase fires. Many people don’t know that the first fire truck for the Department was purchased by John when Phoenix had a sale on some of their fire trucks. His name will be among the honorees in June’s Recognition Banquet. At one time John drove a school bus for the Wittmann/Nadaburg School District. Once every month he would drive the busload of kids to the local Dairy Queen for ice cream and at the end of the school year, gave each of his charges a silver dollar for good luck. John loved food. He was famous for his ability to put away huge amounts of food for a guy with such a small build. Anyone who ever enjoyed a meal with him is bound to have a food story to share. John was born in Detroit, Mich., on January 8, 1921 and came to this area by way of Florida. He established Retty’s Hardware in 1959 and worked it daily until the state needed the land for right-of-way. He married his life partner Imogene in 1967, and they lived at the landmark Cactus Ranch stone house in Morristown. John Retty, “Mr Retty” to many, passed away peacefully on the evening of June 2. He is survived by a stepson Ken Hagen and his wife Maureen of Sun Lakes, Ariz.; step-grandchildren Carol, Bert, Judy, and their families; and a niece Vicky Hough (Scott) of Tucson. Please join the family in saying goodbye to John at the Wickenburg Funeral Home and Crematory at 187 N. Adams St, Wickenburg, on Thursday (June 12) with a viewing from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. followed by a service with Pastor Jack Kelley. Private interment will take place at Resthaven Park Cemetery in Glendale, Ariz. After the service, everyone is invited to a reception at the Wise Owl Senior Center, 255 N. Washington Street, Wickenburg, 684-7894. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wittmann Fire Department at P.O. Box 295, Wittmann, AZ 85361 or the Wise Owl Senior Center where John Retty enjoyed many hours of meals and friendship. Arrangements are under the direction of Wickenburg Funeral Home and Crematory. See Also: Find a Grave |
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