Mary M. “Petie” Rychener, 89 years, of Bryan, passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2016, in Community Health Professionals Inpatient Hospice Center, Defiance. Petie was born June 12, 1926, in Bryan, Ohio to the late Oscar and Lola (Kintigh) Whitney. She was a 1944 graduate of Bryan High School. She married Kenneth W. Rychener on August 19, 1951, and he preceded her in death on January 26, 2005. Petie was a secretary for Community Hospitals of Williams County for 17 years. She previously worked for Bryan City Schools for five years. Petie was a member of the Top of Ohio Doll Club, Red Hat Society, Fortnightly Study Club, as well as a founding member of the Bryan Lioness Club. She enjoyed collecting stuffed animals and dolls. She particularly had a vast collection of Steiff stuffed animals.
Surviving are her three children, William Rychener of Bryan, Ohio, Rebecca “Becky” (Michael) Brickell of Grove City, Ohio, and Amy (Don) Carter of Dale City, Virginia, and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; daughter-in-law, Jean Rychener; two sisters, Martha Blosser and Virginia Bowman; two brothers, Carmen Whitney and Phares Whitney.
Visitation for Mary M. “Petie” Rychener will be held Monday, February 29, 2016, from 12:00-2:00 p.m in Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home-Greenisen Chapel, 225 East High Street, Bryan, where Funeral Services will be held Monday at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home with Bill Priest officiating. Interment will follow in Shiffler Cemetery, Bryan.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions be made to the Bryan High School Music Department, 150 South Portland Street, Bryan, Ohio 43506.
Condolences may be sent to the family or the online guest book may be signed at www.oberlinturnbull.com
