Reta H. Dearing, age 91 years, of Milan, Missouri, passed away from this life on September 11, 2024. Reta Hazel Leach was born to Glenn and Mary (Molly) Leach on April 21, 1933, in Milan, Missouri where she graduated from Milan High School with the class of 1951. On July 14, 1951, she married Van Alan Franklin. Four daughters were born to this union.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her brother, Robert Frank Leach; her first husband, Van A. Franklin; her second husband, James C. Dearing; one daughter, Elsie Ann Campbell; nephew, Larry Leach; niece, Patsy Wyant, and a great-granddaughter, Arika McCabe.
Survivors include her daughters: Jean Franklin Venzor (Oscar) of Tampa; Mary McCabe (Steve) of Milan; Pamela Franklin of Milan; son-in-law Steve Campbell of Pollock, Missouri; sister-in-law Vada Sarlo of Sarasota, Florida; grandchildren are Dr. John Venzor of Tampa, Florida; David Venzor (Morgan) of Portland, Oregon; Robin Eddy of Milan; James Wesley Eddy of Milan; Gale McCabe (fiancé Bonny Kissler) of Unionville, Missouri; Andy McCabe (Christina) of Ottumwa, Iowa; Daniel Weaver, of Kansas City; Charlotte Weaver of Callao, Missouri; Joshua Snow, of Milan; Trisha Chaverri (fiancé Tim Tomten) of Kirksville, Missouri; niece Connie McFarland (Larry Hines) of Milan; nephew Ronald Leach (Mimi) of Vancouver, Washington; and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Services for Reta will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral Home in Milan, Missouri. A visitation will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Elmwood Cemetery, or Bread of Life Church in Milan, Missouri.