Reba graduated from Bronaugh High School in 1962 and joined the Air Force along with a couple of her friends because it seemed interesting. After “boot camp” she was stationed at Selfridge Air Force Base in Mount Clemons, MI where she worked as a secretary. It was there that she met and married Gary Piper on February 9, 1963. Since women were not allowed to be pregnant in the military, she chose family and had three sons.
Reba later graduated nursing school and spent most of her career caring for the elderly, in nursing homes and her own home. Her life centered around her family. She loved spending time with all of them, especially her sisters. Reba was a foster parent, she loved children, being a kid at heart herself. She was a veteran and belonged to the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also a lifelong “Diet Dr. Pepper freak”, always having one in her hand.
Reba was preceded in death by her husband Gary, her parents, two brothers-in-law, and two nephews. She is survived by her three sons: Gary Sr. (Ben), Lebo, KS, Rick (Melinda) Sheldon, and Tom (Angie), Springfield; five grandchildren, Mitch Topping (Kourtney), Lamar, Spencer Piper (Kelsey), Springfield, Cydnee Regers (Clay), Butler, Tucker Piper (Lauren), Ozark, and Sawyer Piper, Springfield; six great-grandchildren, Konner Topping, Brylee Topping, Grayson Piper, Lane Piper, Kaiden Piper, and Kora Piper; sisters, Sue Sneed, Sheldon, Eva Park (In), Nevada, and Sally Bogart (Ralph), Sheldon; nieces and nephews, Gerri Douglas (Shane), Sheldon, Susan Grajales (Juan), Florida, and Bo Bogart (Amber), Sheldon; and many great nieces and nephews.
Anyone who knew Reba, knew her as “Ma”. All who met Reba, has a “Ma” story. She loved life and loved to laugh at the stories people told about her which usually begin as “You can’t make this stuff up”.
Memorial services with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday September 17, 2023, at Sheldon Cemetery. Friends may call now and until noon on Saturday at Ferry Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Disabled American Veterans c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
