Reba Lois Mell

September 22, 2023 witnessed the passing of Reba Mell, a tiny dynamo of a woman whose never-ending energy and fighting spirit remained to the very last. Reba passed peacefully at her home where she was most happy, surrounded by her many family members who loved her. Reba Lois (ne Allen) Mell was born October 17, 1934 in St. Louis, Missouri to parents Marvin Henry Allen and Clara Jane (ne Gregory) Allen. Third in a family of four children, she grew up on her familys farm near Farmington, Missouri in a little community called Avon - a region she loved dearly and forever referred to as "down home in the country". Reba was very close to her parents and siblings. She always looked up to her big brother, Gene. She was very close to her beloved sister, Beverly they were not only sisters but dearest friends, too. They spent many hours crafting together as they were both very creative and talented. Reba also enjoyed spending time spoiling her youngest brother Kenny, who was 14 years younger than her. She continued her nurturing and love for him throughout her life. On September 15, 1951, Reba married her lifetime sweetheart, Robert Lynn Mell. They spent 68 years of life together, with his passing on the very day of their 68th anniversary. Bobby and Reba proudly raised a family of four boys together. Reba was tiny in stature - her boys towered over her as they grew to adulthood. But, her strength and feisty nature gave her the upper hand and always kept them on their toes. In the early years after their marriage, Bobby and Reba built the beginnings of a home which became their forever home - in an area of beautiful rolling hills south of Farmington. Their home started as a modest garage that sheltered them and their small boys for several years before the main home was built. Eventually, the home was remodeled and expanded into a lovely, sprawling ranch house where Bobby and Reba continued to raise their family and lived for the remainder of their long and fruitful lives. For a number of years, the homes original garage also served as an address for Rebas "beauty shop". In the era of the 1960s beehive hairdo, Reba became a licensed beautician, and her beauty shop became a regular meeting place for her many hair clients who stopped in to pamper themselves with Rebas hairdressing talents. Her husband, boys, and some of her grandchildren all received haircuts from time to time as well. Rebas husband was a bricklayer, beginning the trade as a hod carrier. It wasnt long before he mastered the art of bricklaying and started his own successful bricklaying business, Mell Masonry Company. Reba was his constant helpmate in the company, doing the bookwork, the purchasing, and running countless errands for materials and supplies. After her youngest son went to school, Reba closed her beauty shop and took on a new challenge. While juggling the challenges of running a home, raising a family, and helping with the masonry business, she began a new career of her own. She took a job in the offices of Cooper Oil Company, in Farmington, Missouri. Over the years, she self-taught herself how to use computers, and she became a very well-respected key employee of the entire corporation. Again, her feisty nature shined through she held little patience for computer illiteracy telling people that using the computers was just "so easy!" Reba might have been small in stature but was one of the strongest of women in spirit, mind, and body. Her energy seemed endless. She would often start her day at sunrise and not stop until sunset. She was an amazing cook, accomplished seamstress, and loved to decorate, especially for Christmas. Her grandchildrens eyes would light up when they entered her home at Christmastime. It was like walking into a Winter Wonderland. She always had an abundance of lights, animated Christmas characters and scenery, and of course, personalized stockings for each grandchild. Most of all, the love she put in every detail will be remembered by all. Reba was a lifelong, active, and supportive member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Farmington. She was also supportive of St. Paul Lutheran School where her husband, their children, and many grandchildren all attended. Notably, Reba also took up the game of golf when she was in her thirties. It was a sport and hobby that continued throughout her life. She played golf regularly with her husband, her girlfriends, and (after they grew old enough) her family as well. She told stories of strapping her youngest son onto the golf cart seat and taking him along on her golfing outings. Reba took great pleasure in the many social events, weekend tournaments, and trips that revolved around hitting that little white ball around. She eventually traveled to Jamaica and other far-away places, and the golf courses she played while on vacation were always a topic of the stories she would recount from her travels. Rebas golfing friends remember her energy and competitive spirit she could hit the golf ball a very, very long way, even well into her ninth decade of life. Her friends also remember her excellent cooking her golf cart usually held a cooler of food fried chicken and other treats were always on hand and she shared generously. She made the biggest coconut cream pies imaginable, and golfers from out of town would request her to bake for them whenever they came to Farmington. Reba L. Mell is survived by her sons Mike (and Sharon) Mell of Fredericktown, Terry (and Sandy) Mell of Farmington, Greg (and Caren) Mell of Farmington, and Dennis (and Ellen) Mell of St. Louis. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. Survivors additionally include her brother Kenny Allen of Farmington and some very special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Marvin and Clara Allen, her brother Gene Allen, her sister Beverly McGuire, and their spouses. Reba will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She leaves a space in our hearts that cannot be filled. The world will be a little less exciting, and whole lot less colorful, without her. Visitation will be held Monday, September 25, 2023 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel. Visitation will resume Tuesday morning from 7 to 9 a.m. in the funeral home. Funeral services will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Church beginning at 10 a.m. with Pastor Stephen Constien officiating. Interment will be held immediately after the services at Pleasant Hill Baptist Cemetery. Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church Building Fund in care of the funeral home. View the video tribute and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com. Visitation Cozean Memorial Chapel Monday, September 25, 2023 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Visitation Resumes Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory Tuesday, September 26, 2023 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Funeral Service St. Paul Lutheran Church Tuesday, September 26, 2023 10:00 AM 609 East Columbia Street Farmington, MO 63640