Ann 'Anka' (Chuma) Brettell

Ann “Anka” (Chuma) Brettell, 88, of New Alexandria, Ohio, passed away Thursday, April 4, 2019, in the Valley Hospice Care Center North in Steubenville.

She was born March 20, 1931, in Mingo Junction, Ohio a daughter of the late, Anna and Paul Chuma. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Robert H. "Lefty" Brettell, whom she married February 20, 1952; three brothers, Paul, Stephen and David Chuma; and a sister, Elizabeth Varavvas.  

She was the owner of American Dry Cleaners in Georges Run for 25 years, and a life-long member of the St. Andrew Orthodox Church in Mingo.

She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Carolyn Ann Demitras of Steubenville, OH and Colleen Denise Duvall and her husband Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Daniel Duvall of Elizabethtown, KY; a son, Robert D. Brettell and his wife Martina of Greenville, PA; a sister, Mary Foglietti of Mingo Junction, OH; a brother-in-law, Fred Brettell, Jr. of Mingo Junction, OH; two sister-in-laws, Betty Jo Chuma of Mingo Junction, OH and Doris Matthews of North Carolina; and five grandchildren, Anna and Jimmy Demitras, Danielle Duvall, Kayla Lemkey, Troy, and Jeff Pinch; three great-grandchildren, Alec and Carolann Lemkey and Madeline Pinch; and many nieces and nephews.

She could be described as thoughtful, generous, and inviting by those who knew her best, and embodied an inspirational strength and resilience, that is unmatched. She enjoyed time with family, and more than anything, time with her children and grandchildren. She was incredibly loved, and will be missed by many.

Friends will be received at the St. Andrew Russian Orthodox Church on Sunday from 2-6 p.m. and also on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of her funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with the V. Rev. John Kopcha, officiating. Interment will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to Wheeler Funeral Homes.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to St. Andrew Orthodox Church, 100 Summit Ave., Mingo Jct., OH  43938.

Offer condolences at www.wheelerfuneralhomes.com.

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