Robert Reber

Robert Loraine Reber, 83, of Enterprise, Utah, passed away on September 9, 2026. He was born in St. George, Utah, on June 18, 1943, to Anna Belle Leavitt Reber and Jack Cleyon Reber.

Robert was the oldest of six children and grew up in Ivins, Utah, alongside his five siblings: Caroline Payne, Norene Mackley, Annette Densley, Steve Reber, and Shirlene Peterson.

The family had a farm in Beryl, Utah, where their father, Jack, would spend the week working while their mother, Belle, remained in Ivins with the children. When the weekend came, the family would be together again at the farm.

He graduated from Dixie High School in St. George, Utah. After graduation, Robert attended Dixie Junior College, where he would meet his future wife, Nadine Paulette Olsen. During this time, he also joined the National Guard.

Robert and Nadine were married on September 28, 1962, and moved to Ridgecrest, California, where they began building their life together. They would go on to share 45 years of marriage. Together they raised three children: Mary Kathleen Smith, Ernest John Reber, and Juanita Jean Leach.

Robert worked for the United States Department of the Navy for 25 years. In 1977, he also started Reber Upholstery in Ridgecrest, California, where he put his skill and craftsmanship to work for the local community. After a long and dedicated career in government service, he retired from the Department of the Navy in June 1998.

Robert was a very loving and affectionate person who never hesitated to let his family know how much they meant to him. He told his children every night that he loved them and always made sure they received a hug and a kiss. He was also well known for enjoying a good back scratch, whether he was scratching someone else’s back or convincing someone to return the favor.

One of Robert’s favorite sayings reflected the strength and humor that were such a part of his personality: “I’m as tough as steel. You can’t hurt steel. You can make it rust, but you can’t hurt steel.”

Robert loved spending time outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and camping with family and friends. Fishing held a special place in his heart, and his skill earned him the nickname “The Fish Whisperer.” He was always happy to share what he knew and teach anyone willing to listen, passing along both his knowledge and his love of fishing to others.

Robert also had a passion for rebuilding and restoring cars. One of his proudest projects was a 1955 Chevrolet truck that he rebuilt and entered in several car shows, where it earned numerous awards. His talent extended well beyond his own vehicles, as he also rebuilt cars for his children, family members, and friends. Working on cars was another way Robert shared his skills and helped the people he cared about.

After Nadine’s passing, Robert found companionship again with Penny Smith. Robert and Penny were married on November 7, 2007. Through their marriage, Robert also welcomed Penny’s two children, Vickie Wilcox and Brad Richardson, into his family.

Funeral & Viewing Services will be held on Saturday September 19, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Enterprise 7th Ward building (80 South Center Street). Interment with Military Honors will be in the Enterprise City Cemetery at approx 1:00 pm