Rheta T. Tuttle passed away on March 12, after a brief period of declining health due to a fall. 

She was the wife of the late Kenneth W. Tuttle, the daughter of the late Thomas F. and Sarah (Stevens) Markey, and the sister of the late Thomas F. Markey.

She was born in North Dighton and grew up and attended school in Taunton. She graduated from Bridgewater State College, class of 1943 and later pursued post-graduate studies and professional development at Boston University.

Her 40-year career in education began with teaching English and Latin in Mattapoisett, followed by a few years teaching English at Beverly High School. After her marriage she returned to Center School in Mattapoisett where she spent the remainder of her career in elementary education. She often joked that because she skipped third grade in her own schooling, she was fated to spend her professional life teaching it. 

She was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett. She was a member of the Alpha Lambda chapter of Kappa Delta Gamma International Society of Women Educators. She was a member of the Mattapoisett Women’s Club and several other local organizations. She was a longtime volunteer for Friends In Service Helping.  

In retirement she enjoyed traveling and took up bridge with a passion. She was an avid reader and crossword-solver. 

She is survived by her beloved son Richard K. Tuttle of Mattapoisett. She was grateful for her bridge friends and the kindness of her neighbors, The Cattley family and friend Ann Marklin.
 
Her funeral will be held on Monday March 18 at 9 a.m. at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. A funeral mass will follow at St. Anthony’s Church, Mattapoisett at 10 a.m.

Burial will follow in Cushing Cemetery. Visiting hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Mattapoisett Historical Society or the Fairhaven Community Visiting Nurse, 62 Center St, Fairhaven, MA 02719

For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.