Reba Jo Gillespie

Reba Jo Gillespie, 68, passed away on February 13, 2026. She was born on July 11, 1957, in Malvern, Arkansas.

Reba worked as a Maintenance Machinist for Apex Machining, where she built a reputation for her strong work ethic and skill in a field traditionally dominated by men. She took pride in her work, and her dedication earned the respect of her coworkers throughout the years.

Reba wasn’t a girly girl; she was a cowgirl at heart. She loved the outdoors, especially her fishing trips with her close friend Richard at Crystal Springs on Lake Ouachita. Those days on the water together were special to her and created memories she treasured. You could find her at the Hot Springs County Fair/Rodeo helping Connie Neighbors, as well as attending the Chuckwagon races in Clinton. That is where she had resided for the last 6 years.

She was also an avid animal lover and a loyal friend, always willing to help when someone needed a hand.

She is survived by her aunt, Leola Heath; her cousins: Susan Turley (McDougal), Alan McDougal, Stacy Clayton, Diane Jordan and Judy Cazort; and other extended family members who loved her dearly. Also, she leaves behind her close friend Richard Smith (and the entire Smith family), who were like family and shared many years of friendship.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Betty Jo Gillespie; her brother, John E. Gillespie; her grandparents, Joseph “Doc” and Elva Pennington Gordon, and Jimmy Lee Gillespie and Odessa Mary McCain; and her uncles, Jim and Wayne Gordon.

A graveside service to honor Reba’s life will be held on April 19, 2026, at Resthaven Memorial Park in Malvern, Arkansas. Family and friends are invited to gather from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM to pay their respects.

Honorary pallbearer honors are entrusted to Lane Clayton, Pake Clayton, Andrew Hudson, Bo Hudson, Matt Ballou, and Nick Dater.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in the form of donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dardanelle Regional Behavioral Health Services, The Blossoms at Oakdale, Hospice Home Care, as well as caregivers Willie Sullivan, Becky McFarland, and Jessica Purtle for their compassionate support and care of Reba during her courageous battle with dementia.