Resident of Newark, California

A native of Peoria, IL, Reta moved to California with her husband, Bob (deceased, 1995) and two children, Stephen and Tanya in 1962. Her quick wit, impeccable memory, wonderful smile and warm hugs will long be remembered by both family and friends.

The family moved to Newark in 1971 and she began attending the Fremont Christian Missionary Alliance Church which eventually became Cedars Church in Newark. As a long time (literally decades) greeter at the door, her generous spirit, great sense of humor (never missed apun) and welcoming laugh did alot to make people feel right at home.

Inquisitive by nature, Reta never met a stranger that didn’t become a friend within moments of the encounter.

And her capacity to make lasting friendships is evidenced in the decades-long bonds she established with those inher Bible study group as well as those in her neighborhood.

Reta was a loving mother, grandmother (Grammy), and great-grandmother and aunt within her family and countless others she warmly “adopted”.

She is survived by her brother Alan Sheley, her two children, Steve and Tanya with her husband, Richard Pratt, three granddaughters, Sasha Pratt, Rebecca Abreu and her husband Mike and Lacie with her husband Ryan Castro and ten great-grandchildren.

We will miss her love affection, warmth, generosity, encouraging spirit and unwavering, practical faith in Jesus Christ. Her faith was demonstrated in far more than words, but also by how she followed Him in living out her life. After living on her own inher home into her 95th year she was ready to peacefully and sweetly “go home to be with Jesus”.

The night before she passed, her friend, Joyce Harris visited, sharing songs and Scripture, which she enjoyed by mouthing the words and keeping time to the music.

The next morning, with Tanya by her side and Steve with her on the phone, she breathed her last breath May 16th, 2025 in her home.

A Celebration of her Life will be held at Cedars Church, 38325 Cedar Blvd., Newark, CA 94560, Monday, June 2nd, 2025, 1pm. Memorial donations may be made to Cedars Church, Newark, CA www.cedars-church.com