Beth Tuthill Dettner

Beth Tuthill Dettner of Riverhead died July 22 at her daughter’s home in Jamesport. She was 91.

She was born Feb. 5, 1919, in Jamesport to Raymond and Betsy Tuthill. Beth graduated from Riverhead High School and went on to become a registered nurse, graduating from Southampton Hospital School of Nursing.

On Aug. 28, 1942, she married George Richard Dettner Sr., and they made their home together in Riverhead for 60 years. During that time, she worked at Peconic Bay Medical Center, opened Roanoke Nursery School and retired in 1986 after 20 years of dedicated service to the children and their families of Phillips Avenue Elementary School.

Beth was a member of First Congregational Church of Riverhead, where she served as a trustee and deacon, and she successfully made the Alley Cat Thrift Shop what it is today. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and grandchildren in their motor home, gardening, and quilting.

Predeceased by her husband, her son, George Richard Dettner Jr., and her siblings, Jean Woodhull, Helen Wolff, Ruth Fleury and Raymond Tuthill, she is survived by her twin daughters, Martha Salvatore (David) of Jamesport and Mary Mack (David) of Riverhead; and four grandchildren, Addie Mack, Matthew Salvatore (Deborah), Nora Mack and Lisa Salvatore.

A memorial service was held on July 27 at First Congregational Church by the Rev. Joan Finck. Interment followed at Riverhead Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be sent to First Congregational Church of Riverhead.