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Reba Giddens Obituary
Nov.1, 1927-Aug.20,2016
Loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Reba Jeanette Giddens, 88, died Saturday, August 20, 2016, at her Ceres home with family by her side.
Reba was born November 1, 1927, in Howey-in-the-Hills, FL to Lorene and Ernest Vanderpool. In her early teens she made Ceres, California her home. She graduated from Ceres High School, then married the love of her life, Howard Giddens, in July 1947. Reba worked at Ceres Drug Store and Foster Farms, where she was loved by many. Growing up in town in the 50's, 60's and 70's, many people considered her as their second mother. The Giddens house, with Reba present, was always an open door. Even to this day, people have the fondest memories about her and the compassion she showed to others.
Reba loved watching her children and grandchildren play sports and dance, where she "adopted" many others. In all of her years, she never missed a game or recital, if she could help it. For over forty years, her passion was playing bingo, where everyone considered her a friend. She will be forever missed.
Reba is survived by two of her children, Ronald (Marie) Giddens, TerryGiddens-Mangipane and daughter-in-law Lori Giddens; six loving grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Howard and son Denny.
Funeral services will be held, Thursday, August 25, 2016, 11:00 a.m. at Franklin and Downs in Ceres. Reception to follow.
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Memories and Condolences
for Reba Giddens
Gail (Melvin) Aruta
August 28, 2016
Ron and Terry, I have so many wonderful memories of playing at your house all those years ago, I think even before Denny and I started kindergarten. Please know that your mother holds a special place in my heart for being one of the best people in all of Ceres. I feel blessed to have known her.
jackson family
August 28, 2016
RIP Reba she always had a beautiful smile and never forgot face or name
Diane Kirkman
August 26, 2016
Ron,Marie,Lori,Terri & family, I am so sorry for your loss. Aunt Reba will be sorely miss. She always had such a "welcoming" presence about her and I felt fortunate to be related.
Larry Stroud
August 25, 2016
RIP sweet Reba we Will miss you
August 24, 2016
God Bless Reba and the entire Giddens family. Aunt Reba was a special lady but now is in peace surrounded by family gone before she. RIP
Kelly Vanderpool (David Vanderpool)
Malrie Fry
August 24, 2016
Reba has been in my life since the day I was born. We all loved staying with Reba and Howard. I don't know what my Mom would have done with out her. She loved us like her own , and we Loved her as well. When Greg had to be in hospital so much as a child , it was Reba , right there ready to help. I think in those days we were almost with her as much as we were home! Their house on 5th. St. Was home and refuge for thousands of teenagers in our town . The Lord broke the mold when he created her, there never will be anyone as Loving,sweet or caring as she was. Rest In Peace Reba we will carry you in our hearts forever.
Mariann Shrader
August 24, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this beautiful woman, she will be missed by many ♡
Jan (Jones) Kuykendall
August 24, 2016
Ron and Terri, I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. I remember her so well. She always had a smile whenever I would see her, either at the drug store, or just around Ceres. She seemed to know every student at Ceres High by name, and I felt special when she would greet me by name. Please know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers. Again,I am very sorry for your loss.
Robin McDaniel
August 24, 2016
Ron, Terry, and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many fond memories of your mom. She was always so encouraging and inclusive. She was a good friend to my mom and that was very heart-warming for me to watch. We all loved being around Reba... she made you feel special and sincerely cared.
May God comfort your hearts and draw you close to Jesus.
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Franklin & Downs Funeral Home Ceres Chapel2561 5th Street, Ceres, CA 95307
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