With deep respect and enduring love, we announce the passing of Reba Elifritz, born on December 5, 1955 and a long-time resident of Centerville, Iowa. Reba, a radiant soul whose warmth and kindness touched everyone she met, passed away on March 5, 2026 at home under the care of Care Initiatives Hospice.
A beloved wife, nurturing mother, adored grandmother, and a cherished friend, she lived her life with an unwavering devotion to her family, and an inexhaustible passion for her work and hobbies. Reba was a woman of many talents, and she wore many hats throughout her life. She started her career as a bartender, before ascending to a managerial position at Caseys General Stores. Her love for food and people led her to her most cherished role as a cook in the food industry; her culinary creations were not just meals, but expressions of love and care. Her commitment to service extended beyond her professional life as she took on the role of a caregiver, offering comfort and support to those in need. Yet, Reba’s talents weren’t confined to the kitchen or her career. She also had a green thumb, spending countless hours in her garden, nurturing and tending to her plants with the same care and love as she did her family and friends. Reba was a beacon of love, strength, and resilience, and her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those she left behind. Her life was a testament to the power of love, the beauty of friendship, and the joy of shared meals and cherished moments. Although we grieve her loss, we also celebrate the remarkable life she led and the countless ways she enriched our lives.
She is survived by her husband, Joseph; two daughters, Jesse James; Nicole Vega; three grandchildren, Michlynn Vulgamott, Robert Bowman IV, Niclys Kline; five great grandchildren; siblings, Vivian (Victor) Versteeg, Cindy (Danny) Boatright, Davey (Kim) Vulgamott, and her chihuahua, Rowdy. She was preceded in death by her parents, Neil and Ruby Vulgamott; one grandson, Kalvyn Kline, and one brother, Leslie Vulgamott.
Reba has been cremated with no planned services at this time. Memorials may be directed to the family. Please consider sharing your memories of Reba, photos, or any expressions of love and sympathy on her memorial page. As you share, remember that each story, each memory, and each picture, contributes to keeping Reba’s spirit alive, and provides comfort to all those mourning her loss.
Today, we say goodbye to Reba Elifritz, but her legacy of love, kindness, and service will never be forgotten.
