Betty Reinoehl

Betty Jane Plantz Reinoehl, 94, of Oak Ridge, passed away early Sunday morning, March 15, 2020. She was born November 5, 1925 in Washington, D.C. to William Earl and Naomi Grace Wolfe Plantz. Betty met Robert Urich Reinoehl, a sailor, at a USO dance and married him three months later on April 14, 1945. In 1955 they moved to Knoxville, TN, with their final move to Oak Ridge, TN in 1968.
Betty lived an active, healthy lifestyle which paid wonderful dividends for her. Betty and Bob were faithful long-time supporters of Covenant Presbyterian Church for as long as their health allowed. She and Bob traveled extensively during their 49 years together and delighted in their month-long stays at the beach. They were wonderful dancers and were always the first ones on AND last ones off the dance floor. In addition to raising four children at home, she had several part-time jobs including boarding small house dogs in their home which her clients named "The Doggie Hilton" for the premium care they received. At age 82, she began her most cherished position as a Caregiver at Keystone Elder Day Center in First United Methodist Church. She continued there until health issues caused her retirement at age 90. She then moved to Commonwealth Senior Living where she touched many hearts with her kind-hearted spirit, mischievous twinkle in her eye, and a sweet smile that would light up the room. You could always find her deeply involved in any group experience with her incredibly creative, talented and caring activity directors : Angela N., Angela B., Hannah and Brittney. She was well loved by all who cared for her.
Preceded in death by her husband Robert Urich Reinoehl; son, Robert Bruce Reinoehl and grandson, Dr. Drew Robert Perkerson.
She is survived by three local daughters and their husbands: Susan Earlene and Baxter Thomason, Peggy Marie and Gene Tilley, and Anne Elizabeth and Dr. Joel Perkerson. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren are Jett (Halah) Thomason and their children Shaffer Jetton, Layla Marie and Remy Drew, Washington, D.C.; Mac Thomason, Dallas, TX; Amanda (Mark) Thomason Suchecki and their daughters Scarlett Lillian and Sienna Grace, Chicago, IL; Allison (Chris) Tilley Ross and their children Brooklyn Marie and Austin Christopher, Virginia
Beach, VA; Zack Tilley, Chattanooga, TN; Jacob Smiddy and his daughters Aysia (Dalton) Smith and Isabella Smiddy, Oak Ridge, TN; Dr. Jace (Amalia) Perkerson, Knoxville, TN and Eric Perkerson, Nashville, TN.
Other special people in her life are: Niece Judy Holmes, Felton, DE; most beloved cousin Ann Ginsburg, Silver Spring, MD; "longest and dearest" friend of 90 years Beverly Barson, Haverhill, MA; and devoted friends Sylvia Powell and husband Louis and Joyce Drischler of Oak Ridge.
Martin Oak Ridge Funeral Home will be caring for Betty until arrangements for her celebration of life are complete. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Robert Bruce Reinoehl Fund, University of Illinois Foundation, 1305 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801 or Keystone Elder Day Center, 1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Services entrusted to Martin Oak Ridge Funeral Home 865-483-4341