Born on July 24th, 1933, to Howard & Flossie (Rogers) Bessey in Natoma, Kansas, she spent a good part of her childhood seeing the western United States from the backseat of her parent’s car as they traveled from job to job working for the US Government. They settled in Southern California, where she lived for the rest of her life.
She raised four kids with her first husband, John McDowell: Barbara, Richard, James & Kiersten. After the dissolution of that union, she met Robert (Bob) Frizzle, marrying him in 1977; this provided her with her step-son, Robbie. She was happily married to Bob until his passing in September of 1990. After that, she enjoyed traveling & dabbling in the real estate market with her partner, John Rodriguez.
Later in life, she moved closer to her son, James, to Cherry Valley, California & then Banning, California. In January of 2023, she moved to Apple Valley, California, close to her daughter Barbara, where she lived out her last days in peace with her pup Pearl (aka Puddles).
Reba was preceded in death by her beloved parents Howard & Flossie & brother Gary, as well as the love of her life, Bob. She is survived by her children Barbara (Bruce) Miller, Richard McDowell, James (Tammie) McDowell, Kiersten McDowell & stepson Robbie (Jan) Frizzle, nine grandchildren & eight great-grandchildren, one niece and brother-in-law.
Reba lived a long, good life, full of happiness & adventure. She loved her family and made many cherished friends throughout her 90 years, all who meant so much to her. Though she is missed, we find peace knowing that she’s now with those who she’s missed for so very long, as well as with our Lord Jesus, happy, healthy & whole again.
A viewing for Reba will be held Friday, October 20th, 2023 from 11:30am to 12:30pm & a committal service from 12:30pm to 1:00pm at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Mortuary, 11500 Arlington Ave, Riverside, California.
In lieu of flowers please send a donation to either of the two following foundations supporting the research of two diseases that have affected our family:
The National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation
NPCF P.O. Box 189
Box Elder, SD 57719
In memory of Robert J. Frizzle, Sr. & Gary Grant Bessey
National LeioMyoSarcoma Foundation
1685 S Colorado Blvd.
Unit S, Suite 447
Denver, CO 80222
In honor of Tammie Evelyn McDowell
