Betty Jane Reber

St. George, Utah—Betty Jane Reber, age 85, passed away peacefully from Alzheimer’s and arthritis complications on September 19, 2023, at her home with family by her side. She was born October 22, 1937, the eldest child of Bertha Lillian Wallis and William Harold Everhart. She attended school at Dixie in St. George where she was senior class president. She hosted her own weekly campus radio show, starred in drama productions, and played many sports especially basketball and softball. She loved her class of ‘55 and went to lunch with them once a month, including this month.

Betty met Philip Reed Reber in 1953 when she worked at Vonda’s Café in Mesquite, Nevada at the age of 15 because she was too young to work in Utah. Philip, who worked across the street at a service station, where they met came to her restaurant the next day and ordered a tomato sandwich. She informed him they weren’t on the menu, so he had a hamburger. Before her shift the next day, she bought tomatoes just in case he came back. Of course, he did! She surprised him by saying they had tomato sandwiches that day and made one for him herself. That began their romance. It took him two years, but he convinced her to marry him.

Philip and Betty were married in the St. George Temple for time and eternity on September 7, 1955, for 68 wonderful years. Eight wonderful children joined their family, and Betty was a full-time homemaker. She also put her husband through school at Arizona State College by running a rooming house in Phoenix. They spent the next 42 years in Orange County, California where Philip was an elementary school principal.

Betty lived a life of service to her family, community, and church. She has always been an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities: Ward and Stake Relief Society President, Stake and Ward Young Women’s President, early morning seminary teacher, and many others. She was a great supporter of her husband as a bishop and in two stake presidencies. She and Philip served four foreign missions in Russia, Republic of Georgia, Ukraine, and Cyprus. They were also local service missionaries for LDS Family Services.

Betty is a beloved and wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She remembered every birthday with a card and often a gift. Betty is survived by her husband Philip Reber, her children, Rebecca Tesimale of St. George, Utah; David (Pattie) of Henderson, Nevada; Sheri Rasband (Cary) of American Fork, Utah; Mark (Lori) of Clevedon, UK; Jeffrey (Angela) of Carrolton, Georgia; Marrietta of San Ramon, California; and Scott of Huntington Beach, California. She is also survived by 24 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her mother, Lillian Wallis; her brother, Wallis Rydman; and her oldest daughter, Debra Leila.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 12:30 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Main Street Ward Building: 166 S Main Street St. George, Utah. Viewings will be held on Friday September 29 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary at 110 S Bluff Street and on Saturday, September 30 from 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at the chapel prior to the funeral service.

The interment will take place at Littlefield City Cemetery in Littlefield, Arizona on the east side of exit 8 off ramp of I-15.

Friends and family who are unable to attend the services in person are welcome to attend virtually by clicking on the link below:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86119155113?pwd=CaynraL46oWnh4keMEp2anPcZ8mK5Z.1

Meeting ID: 861 1915 5113

Passcode: 491353

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary: 110 S. Bluff St, St. George, UT. (435) 673-2454.

The family wishes to thank Renew Health Care Hospice for their kind and compassionate care. We especially thank the wonderful nurses Michelle and Paulette.

Friends and family are invited to sign Betty's online guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com