COLUMBUS, NC -- Mabel Apetz Bretherton, 89, of Laurel Lake Dr., Tryon Estates, Columbus, NC passed away Sunday, December 24, 2006 in Tryon Estates Medical Facility.Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Mabel Yates and Thomas Frederik Apetz. She was a graduate of Jamaica High School and took extension courses at Columbia University. Ms. Bretherton worked in publishing and accounting as a secretary and a bookkeeper until her children were born. Mabel was very active in her various churches, having served as Sunday School teacher and superintendent, VBS director, circle leader and President of WOC. She was most recently a member of Columbus Presbyterian Church. Besides her church work, she served as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader. She was Noble Grand and District Deputy of Rebekah Lodges, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Ms. Bretherton also was a volunteer at Overlook Hospital in N.J., serving as a tour guide for new volunteers, and a messenger at the information desk and in the pharmacy.Mabel and her husband moved from Westfield, NJ to Jekyll Island, GA in 1978 where she enjoyed playing golf and volunteering with the Garden Club and the Red Cross. In 1994 Mabel and her husband retired to Tryon Estates in Columbus, NC.She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Ashton Bretherton. Surviving are three daughters, Nancy Cattell of Compton, MD, Betty Garber of Terryville, CT, Susan Manning of Bringhurst, IN and their husbands and families consisting of 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.A memorial service will be held Saturday December 30, 2006 at 11:00 A.M. in Tryon Estates Auditorium with Rev. Ralph Kuether officiating.Memorials may be made to Columbus Presbyterian Church, 21 Peniel Rd., Columbus, NC 28722 or the ACTS Samaritan Fund at Tryon Estates, 619 Laurel Lake Dr., Columbus, NC 28722.
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