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Betty May Beer Reber was born on August 20, 1929, to Orpha Stevens Beer and Vaughn Beer in Medford, Oregon, in their home on Mae Street. She was a beloved only child raised by her mother and her stepfather, Charles Leschensky. She graduated high school early, having skipped a grade in elementary school while attending a one-room school during the Depression. Betty met Russell Hallie Reber, who was stationed at Camp White near Medford, when she was 16. They both entered college in fall 1946—she went to Northwest Nazarene College and later to Olivet Nazarene College. They were married on January 21, 1949, and she joined him at the University of Illinois where they graduated together in 1950. After graduation, they moved to Flint, Michigan, where Russell worked as an engineer for Fisher Body and Betty taught school. During this period, they had two daughters, Rebecca Jo and Robin Jean, and Betty obtained her master’s degree in education from the University of Michigan. In 1959, they moved to Southern California where Betty was a stay-at-home mom until the girls finished elementary school, and she volunteered at their local Nazarene church. Russ and Betty worked on many creative projects for the church including a 6-foot-diameter fiberglass globe and giant scenes displayed at the Nazarene District Annual Convention in Riverside, California. She also taught—and later led—the Released Time Christian Education program in Orange. During this time, she developed much of the Bible curriculum that she later shared with so many. She was also active in the Philippian Ministry. Betty lived a very adventurous life traveling to South Africa, Swaziland, Croatia and Bosnia on different mission trips. She also traveled on vacation to Greece, Israel, Jordan and Lebanon with Russell. In 1999, they moved to San Antonio, Texas, where their daughter Robin lived with her family. While there, they became involved in two church families: Wayside Chapel and later Oak Hills Church. After Russell‘s death on May 30, 2012, Betty stayed very active. She taught Bible study and mentored younger women. On her 95th birthday this past August, many wonderful friends attended her party. Over the years, she had stayed in contact with so many people with visits, calls and cards. She is survived by her two daughters (Becky Omel and Robin Leach), a son-in-law (Charles Leach), seven grandchildren (Leslie McDonald, Alex Omel, Adam Omel, Bethany Mavis, Andrew Leach, Charlie Leach and Tim Omel) and 11 great grandchildren. She is now reunited with her loving husband, and we are rejoicing with her, knowing she is home with her Savior where we plan to meet her and other beloved friends and family members someday. A service celebrating her life will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the Oak Hills Church in the Bluebonnet Room in San Antonio.

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Betty May Beer Reber

August 20, 1929 - April 20, 2025