Reta Byrd, 92, passed away at home in Hood River, Or. with family at her side. She was born on June 10, 1924 in Odell, Or. Reta attended her school years in Odell. She married Bill R. Elliott at an early age and during that marriage had 4 children, 3 sons and 1 daughter. That marriage ended in 1951. Reta became a single working mom with employment at various jobs which included Nurses Aid at Hood River Hospital; Luhr Jensen; Hood River Distributors, AGA Plant and Cannery in Hood River, Pine Grove, and Odell. She retired from Diamond Fruit after 42 years employment. Her position at retirement was Assistant Plant Manager at Diamond Central.

Reta had several short marriages and another daughter before marrying Howard Byrd in May 1961 at which time another daughter joined the family. Reta and Howard enjoyed life together and had several trips of enjoyment and like their visits to Reno and the coast. She enjoyed family, gardening, western music, and camping.

Reta is survived by her sons, Roy (Cleta) Elliott of Hood River, Or.; Grant (Dee) Elliott of Yuma AZ; daughters Betty (Randy) Luther of Flagstaff, Az.; Sharon (Smokey) Mainwaring of Waldport, Or.; and Sue (Mike) Faulkender of Mt. Hood, Or.; 11 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Reta was preceded in death by her husband Howard Byrd; son Alan Elliott; granddaughter Trisha Thornton; parents Lester and Margaret Coons; sisters Vivian Wilson and Leola Thiel; brothers Grant Coons and Elvin Coons.

A celebration of life is planned for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 1, 2017 at the family home ( 991 Methodist Road, Hood River, Oregon ).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Providence Hospice of the Gorge (1630 Woods Court, Hood River, Or. 97031) or to the VA home in The Dalles, Or (700 Veterans Drive, The Dalles, Or. 97058).

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.