Reita Moore

Reita (Willis) Moore was born December 15, 1940 at home in Martin, SD.  She passed away June 17, 2013, in the Bennett County Community Hospital after a long battle with respiratory issues.  Her parents were Howard and Lourine (Cowell) Willis.  Reita had two brothers, Dick and Doyle, and one sister, Connie.  An older brother, Norman, died at birth.

 Reita married Donald Moore of Martin, November 12, 1960.  They lived in Martin all their lives and had two daughters, Sandra and LaLoni.

 Reita worked at the Rural Electric Association (now known as LaCreek Electric Association) for 32.5 years.  She began her career there as a cashier and worked her way through the ranks, retiring as Manager in 1995.  When Reita was promoted to manager, she was the first female manager of an REA in South Dakota and one of three female managers in the United States.  Her job required traveling and gave her the opportunity to visit many interesting places.  She had remained friends with many of her previous employees.

 She was very active in the life and works of Lindsey Memorial Presbyterian Church.  She loved spending time with her grandchildren and taught them all to bake cookies and prepare simple meals.  She began taking the grandchildren on vacations when they were young.  All the grandchildren looked forward to traveling with her.  Her favorite activities included crafts, preparing meals for family and friends, and helping everyone she could.

 She is survived by her daughters, Sandra Moore-Starr and husband Fred of Cozad, Nebraska, and LaLoni Livermont and her husband Bill of Martin.  Her grandchildren include Eric Modlin, Sarah (Modlin) Fisher and her husband Kevin Fisher, Skyler Livermont, Seth Livermont, and Jaliyah Clifford, and two great-grandchildren, Amber and Ryan Fisher.  She is also survived by her two nephews, Dave Willis and Don Willis, and one niece, Stacy (Stanley) Koster.  Reita was sad to leave her family, friends, and angel Marj Bucholz behind.

 Reita was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Lourine Willis, and infant brother, Norman, her maternal uncles Andrew, Marvin and Homer Cowell, who always held a special place in her heart.

 Memorial services were held Saturday June 22, 2013, at Lindsey Memorial Presbyterian Church, 11:00am with Reverend Lisa Danielson officiating.  A dinner followed the service at the Masonic Lodge.  Grandson Eric Modlin led a private inurnment at the Martin Community Cemetery.

 A memorial has been established and donations may be sent in care of Bennett County Funeral Service, PO Box 65 Martin, SD 57551.