Reba Lee Gartee's Obituary
Reba Lee Gartee
Reba Gartee was born May 14, 1917 in Jonesville, Virginia. She moved with her family to Monroe, Michigan where she met and wed Carey (Ted) Gartee. They were married for 35 years. During World War II, she helped with the war effort, working with her husband at Woodall Industries in Monroe, Michigan which had converted its plant to produce parts for military aircraft.
She and her husband both enjoyed bowling and traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada. In 1969, they moved from Monroe to Paisley, Florida.
After her husband’s passing in 1975, Reba became a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked at the Florida Elks Children’s hospital in Umatilla until her retirement. Upon retiring, Reba began to serve the elderly in Lake County by transporting them to appointments, and giving manicures and pedicures to those unable to care for their selves.
Reba was deeply religious, a lifelong member of United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. She founded and served as head of the Altar Guild at her church in Mount Dora.
Reba is survived by her stepson, Richard A. Gartee, and two grandchildren, Richard W. Gartee and Sharyl A. Beal. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren, and thirteen great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Carey Gartee, her parents, Rosco and Hassie Zion, and two brothers, James and Nelson.
Reba moved to Gainesville in 2011 and resided in Palm Gardens Nursing Home, where in 2017, she celebrated her one hundredth birthday.
Reba passed away January 20, 2018
Funeral services will be held in the Hamlin & Hilbish Chapel on Tuesday, January 23rd at 2:30 PM, the family will receive friends from 2 PM until the service time. Interment services will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Eustis. Rev. Gary Upleger of the First United Methodist Church of Mount Dora will officiate.
In lieu of flowers please send memorials to Reba's church, The First United Methodist Church of Mount Dora, 429 E. Fifth Avenue, Mount Dora, FL 32757
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