Carol Marie Reiber

Carol Marie Reiber was born May 23, 1941, in Belle Fourche, South Dakota to Paul and Jeanette Heinbaugh. She was the youngest of her siblings Joann and Tony. On May 1, 2023, our Mom passed away from an unexpected, severe health issue. We find peace knowing she and Dad are once again together.

Walt and Carol met in Moses Lake during high school. During Carol’s time at Washington State University (College) she and Walt fell in love and were married in 1964. They celebrated 56 years of marriage prior to Dad’s death in 2020. Walt and Carol settled in Yakima and started a family, raising two children, Andrew and Ericka. Mom was devoted to her family – supporting her husband, children, and grandchildren with her quiet, strong, and comforting presence. She was our biggest cheerleader. She grew up being a part of various choirs, playing the piano (later teaching), and sharing her appreciation of music with her family. Mom enjoyed her career in bookkeeping, participating in Bible Study Fellowship, traveling, weekly video chats with her best friends - brother Tony and his wife JoAnn, her long-time friendships with Bonnie, Arden and Megan, and rooting for her favorite basketball teams. Most of all she thoroughly loved being with her grandchildren. Cooking and eating together, cheering them on the track and soccer fields, watching movies, or just chatting and hearing about their lives filled her heart. Mom loved being in the kitchen with her granddaughters. It was a time to share recipes and to talk. She was a great listener and would often reply with a smile and a word of encouragement or at times with a soft suggestion. We each knew she was a safe place to share our hearts. We miss going to her for advice. We miss her tenderness. We miss being with her so very much.

Saying goodbye to mom was not what any of us wanted. She left us too soon, but she left us with rich, sweet memories of a life very well lived. Mom was content, she rejoiced in the Lord, she trusted God with her life and the lives of her family. She loved us well and has forever impacted each of us in the most beautiful ways. We will continue her legacy of choosing goodness, choosing to forgive, choosing to speak a kind word, and choosing the very best bites of chocolate.

Carol is preceded in death by her husband Walt and her sister Joann. She is survived by her brother Tony (JoAnn) Heinbaugh, children Andrew Reiber and Ericka (Scott) Clark, her grandchildren Amber, Sarah, Meighan, and Brooke Reiber and Ryan and Zach Clark and her nieces and nephews.

A lovely graveside service was held on May 8 at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. We are grateful for the friends and family who celebrated mom’s life with us. We thank the Deacons at our church, Grace of Christ Presbyterian, for the reception.

Remembrances may be given to Camp Ghormley or the Yakima Symphony Orchestra.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Reiber family.