Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Reta Byrd, 92, passed away at home in Hood River, Ore., on Sept. 30, 2016, with family at her side. She was born on June 10, 1924, in Odell, Ore. Reta attended her school years in Odell. She married Bill R. Elliott at an early age and during that marriage had four children, three sons and one daughter. That marriage ended in 1951. Reta became a single working mom with employment at various jobs, which included nurses aid at Hood River Hospital, Luhr Jensen, Hood River Distributors, and AGA plant and cannery in Hood River, Pine Grove, and Odell. She retired from Diamond Fruit after 42 years’ employment. Her position at retirement was assistant plant manager at Diamond Central.
Reta had several short marriages and another daughter before marrying Howard Byrd in May 1961, at which time another daughter joined the family. Reta and Howard enjoyed life together and had several trips of enjoyment, like their visits to Reno and the coast. She enjoyed family, gardening, western music, and camping.
Reta is survived by her sons, Roy (Cleta) Elliott of Hood River, Grant (Dee) Elliott of Yuma, Ariz., Betty (Randy) Luther of Flagstaff, Ariz., Sharon (Smokey) Mainwaring of Waldport, Ore., and Sue (Mike) Faulkender of Mt. Hood, Ore.; 11 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, five great great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Reta was preceded in death by her husband Howard Byrd, son Alan Elliott, granddaughter Trisha Thornton, parents Lester and Margaret Coons, sisters Vivian Wilson and Leola Thiel, and brothers Grant Coons and Elvin Coons.
At Reta’s request, no services will be held. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Providence Hospice of the Gorge, 1630 Woods Court, Hood River, OR 97031, or to the VA home in The Dalles, Ore., 700 Veterans Drive, The Dalles, OR 97058.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations), 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
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