Mary M. (Reitz) Chitester, age 90, of Brookville, PA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at the Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor in Brookville, PA. She was born on September 29, 1934, in Sprankle Mills, PA, to the late Walter and Lydia (Mottorn) Reitz.

Mary graduated from Brookville High School in Brookville, PA. She was employed as a bank teller at the Brookville Bank and Trust in Brookville, PA for many years.

Mary married the love of her life John Muth, and they were happily married for two years before he preceded her in death in 1959. As a devoted mother, she managed her household by caring for her two young children. 

Mary was blessed to find love again and married Harry “Hez” Chitester on December 28,1965. For over fifty-six years, they raised their children while creating a new life together. He preceded her in death on April 5, 2022.

For decades, Mary devoted herself to her faith and church. Her faith, determination, and love guided her life. Mary enjoyed reading, cooking, and helping with Hez's gardens by canning the vegetables they harvested together each year. Some of her baking specialties were her famous cinnamon rolls, Christmas cookies, and dirt pie.

Mary radiated warmth and love towards her family, neighbors, and friends. She deeply cherished her children, grandchildren and was blessed with fifteen great-grandchildren. Mary will be deeply missed by all who knew, loved, and adored her.

Mary is survived by three children; Deborah Muth Alford, David (Patti) Muth, and Heidi English; two stepchildren; Sheree (Paul) Brody, and Kelly Jo Malady; seven grandchildren; Kevin (Kim) Alford, Ryan (Ashley) Alford, Katie (Brent) McPherson, Keith (Brittany) Muth, Kyle (Monica) Muth, Tara (John) Deighan, and Lisa (Doug) Swanson; fifteen great-grandchildren; Ethan, Emory, Kelsie, Lydia, Tyler, Kylie, Karter, Adrianna, Keegan, Sebastian, Savannah, Killian, Kerrington, CJ, and William; two siblings; Ruth Burkett, and Raymond (Marlene) Reitz; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.  

In addition to her parents and both husbands, Mary is preceded in death by six siblings; Martha Grady, Ella Dunlap, Sarah Preston, Edna Sekel, Walter Reitz Jr., and Homer Reitz

Family and friends will be received on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 6 - 8 pm at the Carrier Funeral Home at 2834 Maplevale Road, Brookville, PA.  A second viewing will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 10 – 11 am, with a funeral service following the viewing beginning at 11:00 am and officiated by Dan Helenek and Barry Barkley.

Interment will take place following the service at the Temple Cemetery in Warsaw Twp., Jefferson Co., PA.  Arrangements are under the care of Carrier Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions can be made in Mary's name to the Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor, 417 PA-28, Brookville, PA 15825. Please visit our website at www.carrierfh.com to find more information or place online condolences.