VELMA LEONE HARTLEY REBER age 94, died peacefully at Touchmark in Helena on December 31, 2020.
She was born on the “homestead” in Eastern Montana to Verner and Marie (Bjontegaard) Hartley. Her heritage was a blend of English and Norwegian roots of her father and mother. She lost her Mom at age 10, but her 2 big sisters watched over her like a hawk and, in turn, she doted over her little brother. Her Dad, Verner Tipp, earned her deep respect by keeping the family together as a single father. This lesson of loyalty and sacrifice defined her life. She was the Salutatorian of her Hinsdale High School class and attended the Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Havre, MT. As a member of the “Greatest Generation,” the attributes of resiliency, tenacity and gumption were part of her vernacular.
Velma moved to Helena in 1945 with $50 in her purse, and her two best girlfriends when she was 19 years of age. On her first job interview with Montana Life Insurance Company, she showed off her typing and shorthand skills, and was hired on the spot.
Two years later she met the love of her life, Paul William Reber, and they were married in St Helena’s Cathedral in 1948. They settled down, created a beautiful life and family together. Their four children Mike, Debbie, Becky and David won the lottery by being members.
Velma loved being creative, which showed in her beautiful home, her cooking skills and was also a crackerjack seamstress. She was a positive force and her husband’s and children’s most enthusiastic cheerleader. She managed all family activities, 2 dogs and a small business entrepreneur without chaos and the organization of a commanding officer. Her family had many adventures; traveling across the United States, skiing the slopes of many resorts and enjoying perfect summers at the family cabin on Canyon Ferry Lake.
As in most lives, there are ups and downs. Velma’s heart was broken when her son Kevin Joseph passed away at just 2 days old. She became a widow at 58 when she lost Paul to prostate cancer. Her heart remained true to him and she told a care-giver at Touchmark that Paul was right there with her on the day before she passed.
Velma was active and invested her time in the community. She had great faith and was a member of St. Mary’s Church where she was a Eucharistic minister. She was a 25 year member of the Civic Center Board where they successfully completed the funding and modernization of the site which is still enjoyed today. Velma loved playing Bridge, bowling, gardening and golfing. She was one of the founding members and President of the Montana Democratic Women’s Legislative Caucus. This earned her accolades from Montana’s Governor Schweitzer, Senator Baucus and President Clinton.
Her motto was to “keep moving, keep growing and be positive!” Always up for an adventure, she traveled to Europe several times as well as South America. Her favorite was a trip to Norway with her Grandson Shane to reconnect with her Bjontegaard family. Velma’s legacy to her family will always be kindness, respect and resilience.
Velma is survived by Daughter; Deborah (Debbie) Carter (Downey, CA) and her children; Ethney Thom, (Zack) and Great Grandsons Hunter and Gunner; Blake Carter and Emily Carter.
Daughter; Rebecca (Becky) Reber-Burness (Jim) (Mill Valley, CA) and son Bryon.
Son; David Reber (Jamett) (Austin, Texas), and children Madeleine and Paul.
Grandson Shane Reber (Bozeman, MT)
She is preceded in death by her infant son, Kevin (1956), Husband Paul Reber (1985) and beloved son Mike Reber, (2019).
The family would like to acknowledge and thank her caregivers, including her beloved nurse (Saint) Marie Lavinder, the loving staff of angels at Touchmark and the kind souls of St. Peter’s Health Hospice.
A Funeral Mass is set for 12:10 p.m., Monday, August 9, 2021 at Saint Mary Catholic Community followed by Rite of Committal at Resurrection Cemetery. A Reception will be held in the Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home following the committal. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in her name to Hospice of St. Peter’s, Helena, MT.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Monday August 9, 2021
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Mass
Monday August 9, 2021
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Monday August 9, 2021
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Monday August 9, 2021
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Mass
Monday August 9, 2021
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Monday August 9, 2021
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Nan LeFebvre says
I had the pleasure of serving on the Helena Civic Center Board with Velma. We accomplished a lot during our service and she was such a treat to work with. Velma was a smart and wonderful woman. She will be missed.
Robert Meyer says
God bless you Mrs Reber: whenever I will remember you it will be as an elegant lady who always had the shiny side of life facing up… always kind and positive- a shining beacon of hope in the world. Thank you for teaching me to be happy and more importantly grateful for the blessings we enjoy here in our beautiful country & most particularly our special place: Montana. May God bless you for the noble life you lead these 9& a half decades ❤️Bobbymeyer
Tom Naegele says
Dear Reber Family,
God has Blessed or lives with Velma as a mentor and guide. I know you Loved her and she,Paul and Mike watch over us all 24/7/365. Celebrating Velma Reber 🥳🥳❤️
Prayerfully, Tom
Marla says
I met Velma in 1985 shortly after she lost Paul–so I never met your dad who, to have won the heart of such a wonderful woman, must also have been a great and loving person. My very first impression of Velma was that she was pure love. The love I felt in her home was palpable. She also struck me as the exemplar “All American Mom” Moreover, I appreciated her spunk and positivity.
My heart goes out to my dear friend Dave, my new friend (FB) Becky, and also to Debbie and the rest of the family. I know that you know how lucky you are to have had such a special mom (and grandmother). I feel lucky just to have met her.
I know that there will not be a day for the rest of your life that she (and your dad) will not visit you. Sights, sounds, smells and moments will bring her to the forefront of your heart and thoughts. Enjoy those moments especially when you realize that there is a quiet smile on your face that she sent you as her heart again touched yours. Love, Marla
Sue Orr says
I can still hear her calling me, Susan Delores ! She was my beloved aunt and I’m glad she’s dancing with the love of her life, my uncle Paul. Im also glad she’s keeping my mom company now, they were great friends.
Jessica Brown says
Dear Reber family,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your wonderful mom and grandmother. She was such a special lady. I’ll always remember the trip she took down to Texas in the mid 90s. She got such a kick getting her “Texas hair” done at the hair salon there. It was a little bigger and redder than usual and she couldn’t stop giggling about it every time she would catch herself in the mirror. I was driving through Helena some years later with my soon to be husband and called her. I remember she said she “footloose and fancy free” on a golfing trip down south. She had such a positive way about her and seem to genuinely seek any opportunity to be happy. What a gift and what an example. Thank you for always being there for our family, most especially for my mom and dad who I know treasure you all so much. We truly appreciate the support you’ve shown Jason too. Auntie Velma will be sorely missed. May her example live on in everyone that she touched.
Rick O’Connell says
Deb, Becky David and families. Sure sorry to hear of Velma passing. What a class lady with a subtle sense if humor. Our thoughts are with you.
Rick and Jan
Gary J Dunn says
Velma was a terrific lady. She always treated everyone with such kindness, especially my Mother. They were good friends. I will never forget Mrs. Reber, as I always called her. She lived a long fullfilled life but losing her is still difficult for all of the family. My deepest sympathies to your whole family but especially Debbie, Becky and David. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Gary and Judy Dunn
Tony and Therese Lamb says
Dear Debbie, Becky, David and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was such a gracious lady. She and your dad and family were wonderful neighbors to have when we lived across the street from each other on Hauser Boulevard. I have so many happy memories of those times.
My family and I will remember Velma and all of you in our prayers and daily rosary.
God bless you!
Tony Lamb and family
Gary J Dunn says
A post script to my earlier comments. We will not be able to attend Velma’s services on Monday. There has been a family emergency and I taking Judy to Missoula to catch a flight to Portland. I regret not being able to see everyone in the family and honor “Mrs. Reber “. Debbie I hope to see you at our class reunion in September. My love to all !!