Reta Harlan

Reta Lee (Hicks) Harlan was born on June 16, 1944, to Roy and Genevieve Hicks in Rock Island, Illinois.  She died at 2:19am on January 31, 2026 at Bridle Brook Assisted Living in Mahomet, IL.

Reta was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her sister, Brucilla (Hicks) Lorenz of South Amana, Iowa; her husband, David Harlan; and her two daughters, Melissa (John) Valtierra and Julie (Geoff) Freymuth. Reta also leaves behind three granddaughters, Whitney (Joseph) Meredith, Bailey Valtierra, and Abigail Freymuth.

During her career, Reta worked for Illinois Optical and the International Harvester Company, and also provided bookkeeping services for small businesses. She retired in 2000 and later entered Bridlebrook Meadows Memory Care in Mahomet, Illinois, in 2017.

According to family wishes, Reta will be cremated and her ashes will be interred at 2:00pm on May 4, 2026 at Rock Island Memorial Park in Rock Island, IL.  The Rev. Peter Galbraith will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of your choice.

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