Retha Mae Emerich, age 91, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Hedrick Medical Center, Chillicothe, Missouri.

Retha was born the daughter of Michael and Lillie (McClure) Shoultz on March 20, 1935 in Medora, Indiana. She was baptized in 1949. She graduated from Remington High School, Remington, Indiana, in May of 1953. Retha was united in marriage to Charles Cornelious Emerich on June 12, 1953, in Wolcott, Indiana. Shortly afterward, they moved to Chillicothe with the rest of her family.

Retha and Charlie had three children, Jennifer, Marilee and William. Retha worked as the Administrator of Susan's Nursing Home and Social Services Director of the Baptist Home. She was a member of the First Baptist Church since 1989. Retha enjoyed reading and loved her many cats and dogs through the years.

Survivors include her daughter, Jennifer Killian of Chillicothe, Missouri; her son, William Emerich of Salt Lake City, Utah; a sister, Audrey VanDusen and husband Rex of Chillicothe, Missouri; her granddaughter, Maggie Killian and husband Phil Howard, of Kansas City, Missouri; her grandson, Nathan Killian and wife Kate, of Bronx, New York; three great grandchildren, Jolon Howard, Clare Killian and Sloane Killian. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charlie; daughter, Marilee Emerich; brother, Lowell Shoultz; and son-in-law, Pat Killian.

Funeral Services will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. A scheduled visitation will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 1:00 pm until service time of 2:00 p.m. Friends may sign the register book on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 12:00 pm until 4:30 p.m. at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri. Burial will be held at Edgewood Cemetery, Chillicothe, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, Chillicothe, Missouri and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.