Janet Katherine Reitz

Janet Katherine Hoy Reitz, 90, passed away peacefully April 30, 2024 at Magnolias of Lancaster where she received excellent care and compassion, especially from her favorite caregiver Melissa.

Janet, the oldest of four children, was born on June 3, 1933 to Clifton and Alverna (Wright) Hoy in Watsontown, PA. In elementary school, she was the first student to arrive at her one- room school and therefore had the job of building the wood fire in the stove for each day. She graduated from Milton High School where she turned her school spirit into cheerleading and playing the drums in the band. After graduation she worked as an executive secretary, then met and married Herb Reitz of Montandon and moved to Lancaster.  Herb passed away in 2004.

Through listening to the Back to the Bible radio program she came to understand and personalize the amazing love of her Savior. This led to memorizing Scripture, teaching Sunday School and serving on the missions committee at Grace Baptist Church of Lancaster. She also helped with Pioneer Girls, AWANA, and several short-term mission teams. Janet had a heart for prayer and loved helping others when possible. Her contagious laughter made her a friend to many and some warmly referred to her as “Mother Superior.”

She displayed a feisty, determined spirit in spite of obstacles, which showed her commitment and faithfulness to her purpose in life of making followers of Jesus. She loved her family, chocolate, ice cream, traveling, dancing in her younger days, cheering for the Phillies and the Chiefs, watching birds in her backyard, and connecting with neighbor’s while swinging on her swing.

Surviving are brothers Gary (Cindy) Hoy of Mifflintown and Chris Hoy of Lewisburg, a son, Curt (Kelly) Reitz of Columbia and a daughter Lisa (Rob) of Lancaster, three grandsons; Jonathan, Bradley and Aaron; a step-grandson Charles, and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother Harry Hoy.

There will be no services at her request. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Janet’s name to Grace Baptist Church Mission Fund, 1899 Marietta Ave., Lancaster PA 17603 or Grane Hospice Care, 1200 Camp Hill Bypass, Suite 205, Camp Hill, PA 17011