Onieta Reeves

Onieta (Van Dyke) Reeves, age 90, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona. Born on June 4, 1935, in Matador, Texas, she was the cherished daughter of James Constantine Van Dyke and Cora Ruth (Burton) Van Dyke. Onieta lived a life deeply rooted in faith, family, and community.

Onieta attended Phoenix Union High School and later built a life alongside her beloved husband, Charles Wesley Reeves Sr., known fondly as "Wes". Together, they cultivated a legacy of hard work and dedication, raising their family amid the cotton fields of Avra Valley, Arizona. Their life was one of purpose and perseverance, marked by the rhythm of the growing seasons and grounded in their shared faith.

A devoted Christian and follower of Jesus Christ, Onieta was an active member of Marana Baptist Church, First Southern Baptist Church, and Sunizona Baptist Church. She sang alto in the church choirs and found joy in serving as a summer camp counselor in Prescott, Arizona, and Glorieta, New Mexico. These camps were special times for her to share her faith with her grandchildren, creating lasting memories for generations to come.

Onieta's talents were as varied as her interests. She was a gifted scratch cook, seamstress, floral designer, and artist. Her creativity extended to establishing and running the Chiricahua Bed and Breakfast, where she welcomed guests with warmth and hospitality. She also enjoyed the slow rhythmic pace of rock hounding and searching for arrowheads, activities that connected her to history and the natural world.

Her love for community was evident through her involvement with the Marana Home Makers/Cotton Wives, the Willcox Cowbelles, and the Chiricahua Cowboy Camp Association. Onieta's practical love and steadfast principles left an indelible mark on those who knew her. She believed in self-reliance and instilled godly values in her children and grandchildren.

Onieta is survived by her five children: Charles (Sue) Reeves Jr., Deborah (Mark) Wierson, Beverly (Roger) Paradis, James Reeves, and John (Sharmin) Reeves. She leaves behind fourteen grandchildren: Matthew (Shawna) Reeves; Amy Reeves (Joshua) Corn; Leslie Wierson (Eric) Larter; Charles Andrew (Joann) Wierson; John Cameron (Ralitsa) Wierson; Brett (Rachel) Paradis; Stacy Paradis (Wayne) Richard; Scott (Kelley) Paradis; Joshua (Allie) Reeves; Kimberlie Reeves (Billy) Walters; Zachary (Stephanie) Reeves; Halie Reeves; Grant Reeves; and Reagan Reeves. Her legacy continues through twenty-three great-grandchildren: Ethan Reeves; Emmalyn Reeves; Calvin O'Rourke; Kennedy Larter; Presley Larter; Audrey Wierson; Isabel Wierson; Avery Wierson; Alejandro Mejia; Charlotte "Charlie" Wierson; Evelyne "Elly" Paradis; Vienne Paradis; Ava Richard; Wesley "Buzzy" Richard; Alexandra Richard; Luc Richard; Colton Richard; Evie Reeves; Charles "Wyatt" Reeves; William Walters; Maverick Reeves; Brixton Reeves; and Mila Reeves.

She is also survived by her twin sister Juanita (Van Dyke) Mayo, formerly known as Juanita Behrens. Onieta was predeceased by her parents James Constantine Van Dyke and Cora Ruth (Burton) Van Dyke, her husband Charles Wesley Reeves Sr., her sister Helen (Van Dyke) Trammel, her brothers Russell/Eugene "Gene"/James "JC"/Billy/Bobby Van Dyke, and her granddaughter Ashly Onieta Paradis.

Onieta's life was a testament to resilience, faith, and love. Her practical wisdom and unwavering principles will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her. May her memory bring comfort to all who carry forward her legacy of faith and family. A Funeral Service will be held on March 14, 2026, from 10:00-11:00 am at Desert Sunset Funeral Home, 3081 W Orange Grove Road, Tucson AZ, followed by a 12 pm graveside service at Evergreen Mortuary and Cemetery, 3015 N Oracle Road, Tucson AZ.