Fernanda R Reams

Fernanda Reams, lovingly known as Babygirl, Nanda, and Fernie, passed away after facing cancer with the same quiet strength and determination that defined her entire life. She is remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, coworker, teammate, and friend whose warmth touched everyone she met.

Born September 13, 1960, Fernanda attended and graduated from Casa Grande Union High School in 1978. She was in band and also an athlete who excelled in Volleyball, Tennis, and Archery before continuing her education at Arizona State University, she was a proud Sun Devil. A talented musician, she played clarinet in the ASU Marching Band from 1978 to 1980, and she was also a flag and baton twirler. She loved being on campus and in Sun Devil Stadium. Her college years gave way to her greatest calling: motherhood. Pouring everything she had into giving her children love, stability, and the chance at a good life, she always emphasized the importance of education.

Fernanda begin her career in 1990, at Huhugam Memorial Hospital. She served in the Emergency Department and deeply cared for everyone and their health care. She ultimately dedicated 35 years to Gila River Health Care. She was known as a steady familiar face, with a connecting and welcoming presence for patients and families during their most vulnerable moments. She was a true anchor of the Emergency Department.

From 1995 to 2006, she also worked a second job as a Cage and Vault Cashier at the Gila River

Casino, balancing two jobs for a full decade to provide for her family. From 2008 to 2016, Fernanda served on the Gila River Caring House Board of Directors, holding two-terms as President and two-terms as Vice Chair. She was a strong voice for healthcare that carried us to where we are today with our skilled nursing facility. Her achievements include a continuous alignment with tribal self-governance goals and specialized restorative nursing care models to enhance short-term and long-term care for Gila River Indian Community.

Beyond her career, Fernanda found joy and community playing elder chair volleyball, traveling to tournaments across tribes and states, she met new people with teams that became like family. She loved music of every era, she loved the beach, she loved the tall pines of Flagstaff and Oregon, and she loved to travel, always ready for the next adventure.

Fernanda is survived by her four children Camille Miguel of Casa Blanca, Gwendolyn Morago, Breezy Morago, and Brittany Morago of Sacaton. 12 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Her face always lit up whenever she spoke of them, and she cherished every moment spent watching them grow. Two brothers Lyle Reams and Selwyn Reams of Sacaton. She is receded in death by her mother Peggy Annette Milda, her father Alfred Freddy Reams Sr., and 2 brothers Alfred F. Reams Jr. And Fernando L. Reams. Fernanda will be remembered for her tireless work ethic, her fierce love, her beautiful smile, and her unwavering devotion to her family, patients, coworkers, and volleyball family. She faced her final battle with the same courage and grace that carried her through a lifetime of service. Tho:va 'ep em ñei.