Jessie Reyes

Jesus “Jessie” Reyes, Kearney, NE Jesus “Jessie” Vargas Reyes entered into eternal rest July 11, 2017 at her home surrounded by her family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Monday, July 17 at St. James Catholic Church with Father Art Faesser officiating. Burial will follow at Kearney Cemetery. A vigil/prayer service will be 3:00 pm Sunday with visitation following from 4:00-5:30 pm all at the O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Jessie was born April 26th, 1931 to Cruz and Quintina (Gallardo) Vargas in Overton, NE. She was the oldest of 9 siblings. In 1937, her parents returned to Mexico. Jessie was raised by her grandparents, Trinidad and Hermina Gallardo. She enjoyed growing up on the farm. There were many stories told of how life was on the farm with the Gallardo family. On August 6th, 1949, she was united in marriage to Franciscus “Frank” Reyes in Lexington, NE. They shared 65 years together. To this union, five children were born. They moved to Holdrege and resided there for forty years. She was employed by Artistic Woven Labels and retired from Becton Dickinson in 1988. In 1989 they built their home in Kearney. Jessie had a love for quilting, sewing, ceramics, baking and she was very proud of her candle making skills for weddings. She belonged to the Catholic Daughters of Saint James Church and Prairie Quilt Guild. Jessie also had a passion to cook. She cooked at Huss Sale Barn for three years to pass the time. Many friendships were made at these sales. Jessie endured many trials in her life, but her strong faith and diligent praying sustained her through these trials. She was preceded in death by her husband Frank in July 2015; son Max in July 2001; three sisters, Esparanza (Hope), Amalia, and Virginia; and one brother Pedro (Pete) Vargas. To cherish her memory include four daughters Susan (Dan) McElvain of Kearney, Peggy (Tom) Geer of Omaha, Christine (Mark) Vogt of Arlington, and Kathy (Zenon) Rivera of Grand Island; 14 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; 2 brothers Ignacio Vargas of California and Mario Vargas of New Jersey; 1 sister Oralia Orosco of Mexico; 1 aunt Margaret Jimenez of Fort Collins, CO; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Emily (Tom) Hernandez of Kearney and Josie Reyes of Grand Island, Dave Canas of Cozad, Ben Salvador and Gilbert Reyes; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Jessie Reyes

April 26, 1931 - July 11, 2017