A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 6th, from 11:00 a.m.â€"12:30 p.m. at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home in Monticello, Arkansas. A graveside interment service will follow from 2:00â€"2:30 p.m. at Dark Corners Cemetery.
Reita was born on January 27, 1951 in Dumas, Arkansas to Ralph D. and Maye (Summerford) Norris. Growing up, she attended Wells Bayou and Dumas schools, and she was a faithful member of Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church. Following her high school graduation, she attended the University Of Central Arkansas where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Development and Education. During her time at the University of Central Arkansas, she met and married Bob Bumgardner on Oct. 2nd, 1970. Following their marriage, she taught for the Department of Defense Dependent Schools in Germany and Italy. During this time, she also completed her Master's Degree in Education with the University of Maryland. From an early age, Reita knew that she wanted to teach and help those born with disabilities and special needs. For over 35 years, she worked both in and out of the classroom to help students with special needs, as well as their parents and caregivers. Even following her retirement, Reita continued to serve in her church community and help neighbors and others in need.
A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Reita was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, and she is survived by two sons, William and April Bumgardner of Zionsville, Indiana, and Eric and Keirsten Bumgardner of Fort Worth, Texas, and five grandsons: Jack, Alexander, Sean, Samuel, and Gabriel, as well as a sister, Norma Caldwell of Gonzales, Texas.
Condolences(1)
Mary Henehan
Indianapolis, IN Saturday, March 16, 2024 So sorry for the loss of your mother Reita. She was a good friend to my mom during the short time we knew her.