Rhetha Grunit

Rhetha Oteene Massie Grunit, 75, of Portsmouth, died Wednesday, August 18, 2010, at the Southern Ohio Medical Center. Born February 8, 1935 in Sciotoville, she was the youngest daughter of the late Dee Martin Massie and Grace Ward Massie, was a 1953 graduate of East High School, attended Rio Grande College in drawing classes, and then worked at Goodyear Atomic Corp for 19 years, and became co-owner of Unishield Security and then purchased Harris-Smith Printing Co. Rhetha then attended Shawnee State University from 1979-1980 attaining her L.P.N. certificate. In 1980 she became employed at the former Mercy Hospital, first in pediatrics and later in nursing administration. Transferring to SOMC, she retired on her 70th birthday after working 25 years. Also preceding her in death were a brother, Chester Arthur Massie who was killed in France during World War II, a brother, Everett Ray Massie of Sciotoville and a sister, Hazel Louise Deblin of Dayton. Surviving are her loving husband, Gustav G. Grunit of 30 years, a stepdaughter, Sandra Ann (Jerry) Mann, 5 nephews and a niece. Rhetha loved her family, but held a special place in her heart for her life long dear friends, Nadine and Calvin Clausing of Toms River, NJ, Herma Mills, her sister in shopping, Dottie Deemer, and Polly Willard. She was especially proud of her working amigos, Shelley Sparks and Shirley Lyles. All were cherished for all of the fun they enjoyed together. A Mass of Celebration will be 10:00 a.m. on Monday at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church with Fr. Ted Machnik as celebrant. Interment will be in Memorial Burial Park. Friends may call at the Brant Funeral Home in Portsmouth from 5-8 p.m. on Sunday.

---