

Reta Eileen (George) Vagedes went to be with her Lord on Thursday, June 15, 2023. Reta was born on a farm in Frenchtown, Ohio on September 12, 1928. She moved with her family to Tucson, AZ in 1945. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Aletha (Goubeaux) George, brother Robert George, sisters Evelyn Spraley, Kathleen Riggle, and Luella Fritz. Also preceded in death Reta's husband H.A. (John) Vagedes, and her companion of 27 years, Vern Lein.
A woman ahead of her time, she owned the Mission Club in the 1950s-60s, Ellen’s Café, and worked as a cashier at Pima Community College and University of Arizona student unions. Her work ethic was matched only by her intense love of her family as she saw her five children as her greatest accomplishments.
She is survived by her five children John Vagedes, Tom Vagedes (Florinda), Rob Vagedes (Karen), Beverly Carico (George Smigelski), and Tammy Cunningham (Chuck), her seven grandchildren Kim Sanders (Tracy), Crystal Henry (Billy), Melissa Vagedes, Robert John Vagedes, Sara Ploense (Dave), Josh Cunningham and Ginna Carico, and her twelve great-grandchildren Katie Pate (Paul Acosta), Makenna Sanders, Lindsey Sanders, Kayla Vagedes, Dakota Vagedes, Tristen Vagedes, Rylan Atkinson, Gracie Cunningham, Riley Cunningham, Logan Ploense, April Ploense and Ian Ploense. Reta had a special relationship with her niece, Pat Turnbeau (Gary) and her friend of 53 years Mary Hovatter.
She was perceptive, opinionated, truthful and devoted to those she loved. We know she is dancing in the sky with her husband, and listening to Johnny Cash.
A Rosary and Funeral Mass for Reta will be held Thursday, June 29, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 602 W Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713. A funeral service will occur Sunday, July 2, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Funeraria del Angel South Lawn, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706. A graveside service will occur Sunday, July 2, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at South Lawn Cemetery, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Reta's memory may be made to Banner Alzheimer's Institute, 2626 E River Rd, Tucson, Arizona 85718 US.
https://secure.bannerhealth.com/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app20120a?df_id=1601&mfc_pref=T&1601.donation=form1&NONCE_TOKEN=22A5171F9386196E0BA3EF45AFB7B484
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.funerariadelangelSL.com for the Vagedes family.
DONACIONES
Banner Alzheimer's Institute2626 E River Rd, Tucson, Arizona 85718
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