Lauretta “Retta” Baumgartner

Lauretta “Retta” Baumgartner, 97, of Cogan Station, embarked on her heavenly journey on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Rose View Center, surrounded by her loving nieces, Terri Girio and Diane Lilley.

She was born on November 13, 1927, in Williamsport. The eldest daughter of the late Harry A. and Fern O. (Sheaffer) Free. Retta is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 46 years, Bruce. They met in 1968 and were married on February 10, 1979. Retta was a 1945 graduate of Williamsport High School, where she remarkably started her 40-year career as a secretary for Jacob Gehrons Co, while still in high school, until the company closed in 2000.

She was a long-time member of St. Paul Calvary United Methodist Church in Williamsport. She was involved with the Isabelle Krebs Sunday School Class, volunteered in the office, and participated in the Master Crafters. Retta was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star as well.

Retta and Bruce cherished their trips to their Florida home, finding comfort from the harsh northern winters. They made this journey for over 40 years. They loved their morning walks together. Retta loved playing cards, talking, and sharing stories about her family. Her passions were for baking and sewing. She loved to share her recipes and baked goods. Her love for sewing was evident in the beautiful quilts she crafted for her family. All these gifts are cherished tokens that she made with love.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff on the second floor of Rose View Center for their exceptional care and compassion to Lauretta.

Retta is survived by her husband, Bruce Baumgartner; stepson, Bill Baumgartner; stepdaughter, Nancy Speck; daughter-in-law, Sandy Baumgartner; three step grandchildren, Billy, Amber, and Sean; and sister-in-law, Doris Free. She was loved by so many, especially her nieces and nephews, which she considered her very own children. They include: Kathy Lamey, Mark, Craig and Keith Levan; Mike, Tim, Pat, Jeff, Terri Girio, Kevin, Scott and Steve Tate; Kim Willis, Bobby Free, Michele Miller and DeeDee Plominski; Diane Lilley, Donnie Free and Darlene Hakes. The love didn’t stop there but only got bigger with her 45 great nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Retta was preceded in death by four siblings, B. Arlene Levan, Grace Tate, Robert and H. Richard Free; step granddaughter, Monica; and niece Robin (Free) Driscoll.

Services to honor the life of Retta will be held at noon on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Maneval Allen Redmond Cremation and Funeral Home, 500 W. Fourth St., Williamsport with Pastor Mark Shover officiating. Family and friends are invited to attend a public viewing from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home on Wednesday. Burial will be in Twin Hills Memorial Park, Muncy.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Retta’s name to Master Crafters at St. Paul Calvary Church at 1427 Memorial Ave., Williamsport, PA 17701.

To leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.jamesmaneval.com.