Berniece Reck

Berniece Mae Reck

1934 - 2025

Berniece Mae Reck, 91, of El Dorado Hills, California, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025.

She was born on January 26, 1934, in Wolbach, Nebraska, the youngest of four children to Darold and Esther Bussell. She graduated from Scotia High School in 1951 and attended cosmetology school in Hastings before later studying Interior Design.

In 1952, Berniece married her high school sweetheart, Harold Reck, beginning a loving 73-year marriage. Together they raised three daughters - Debra, Diane, and Rae Jean - while Harold's Air Force and civil service career took them to Nebraska, Florida, Indiana, and California. They lived in Lompoc for 41 years before retiring to Chico and later moving to El Dorado Hills.

Berniece was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved making meals for family, baking her famous Wyoming Whopper cookies, and singing along to Frank Sinatra's "I'll Do It My Way." She ran nine half-marathons, enjoyed golf, skiing, and needlepoint, and sang in choirs for over 40 years, including the Vanderbelles. She was active in the United Methodist Church in Lompoc, Bidwell Presbyterian in Chico, and a proud member of P.E.O.

She is survived by her husband, Harold; daughters Debra (Paul) Smith and Diane Reck; sister, Phyllis Combe; grandsons Brandon (Shannon) Finazzo, Gregory (Sandra) Finazzo, Loren Finazzo, Christopher (Sarah) Rodriguez, and Andrew (Taelor) Rodriguez; and great-grandchildren Giovanni, Vanessa, Devon, Linley, Fischer, Fiona, Sophia, and Beverly Berniece. She also leaves many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Darold and Esther Bussell; her daughter, Rae Jean Reck; and brothers, Jack and Dwayne Bussell.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 3, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Newton-Bracewell Funeral Home, Chico, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. at Bidwell Presbyterian Church, Chico, with a luncheon to follow.

Send condolences online at NewtonBracewell.com.