Reba Jo Powell passed away surrounded by her family, April 19, 2019, at Partners In Care Hospice House in Bend, Oregon. She was 80 years old. Reba was born in Soper, Oklahoma on September 6, 1938 to D.B. and Katie Goss. She attended schools in Oklahoma, Texas, and Oregon before graduating from Wasco County Union High School (1956) in Maupin and Linfield College (1960) in McMinnville. Reba and her husband of 60 years, Vince, moved to Madras in 1964.

Reba began teaching in 1960 and taught high school in Dayton, Eugene, St Helens, and Madras, and adult basic education at Warm Springs through COCC. She retired from the Jefferson County School District in 1995. Throughout her life, Reba was involved in volunteer work and community activities. She was active in the service organization Alpha Omicron, Habitat for Humanity, the American Cancer Society, 4-H club leadership, Laubach Literacy, United Fund of Jefferson County, and COCOA. She served on the Madras City Council for 17 years and was a member of the Madras Study Club for 54 years. Reba was a vital member of the United Methodist Church, where she helped with outreach programs, Vacation Bible School, bell choir, and the finance committee.

She will be remembered for her friendship, kindness, and willingness to do whatever needed to be done. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved reading, puzzles, and spending time at the cabin on the lake.

Reba is survived by her husband Vince, daughters Kristin Peterson (Erik) and Karen Zurcher (Larry), granddaughters Kaitlyn, Lauren and Karlee Zurcher and Katie and Jackie Peterson, and her sister Joy Strayer.

The memorial service will be held on May 4th, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Madras United Methodist Church (49 NE 12th St). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the American Cancer Society. Bel-Air Funeral Home in Madras is in charge of the arrangements.