Ronald "Ron" Bailey Reber

Ronald "Ron" Bailey Reber, age 72, passed away peacefully in his bed at home with the people he loved most surrounding him, just the way he would have wanted, leaving behind a lifetime of laughter, generosity, and wisdom that will not be forgotten.

Ron was born October 14, 1953, in St. George, UT, to loving parents, Clynn Elwood Reber and Elaine Bailey Reber. He was the fourth of eight children. Ron was born with a twinkle in his eye and mischief to be made. When he was young, his family moved to a farm in La Center, Washington, where he spent countless hours playing with his built-in best friends, fixing stuff with his dad, and keeping his mom on her toes.

After graduating high school, he moved back to St. George to attend Dixie College. While at college, he met the love of his life, Nannette Johnson, and although he didn't ride up on a white horse to sweep her off her feet like he told his daughter for years, he did throw a football at her, and the rest was history. Ron and Nan were married on September 4, 1976, and would have celebrated 50 years in September. Nan inspired Ron to get serious about his schooling, and after he graduated from Dixie College, they moved to Cedar City, where he attended and graduated from SUSC.

In 1977, Ron started working at SkyWest as a baggage handler and ticket agent. Ron worked many jobs within SkyWest, where he found not just a job, but a family. He took great pride in his work and believed deeply in doing things the right way. To Ron, his coworkers were more than colleagues; they were true friends, with whom he has shared countless stories over the years. He valued those connections deeply and often spoke of them with warmth and gratitude.

In 1985, Ron and Nan had a daughter and Ron's "partner in crime," Ashley McCall Reber. Ron was the best dad, who spent countless hours playing, traveling, laughing, and having deep conversations with Ashley. They were truly best friends, and he was always Ashley's first call. Ashley's husband, Anthony, always says his goal in life is to have his daughter feel about him the way Ashley felt about Ron.

His daughter Ashley married Anthony Morris, who quickly became one of Ron's best friends. Of all his roles in life, being a "Papa" was the one he cherished most. His grandchildren, Chloe and Bubs, were the light of his life, and he made sure they knew it every single day. Ron created memories they will carry with them forever. He never missed a chance to brag about them to anyone who would listen.

In the last few years, Ron faced health challenges with courage, sustained by the unwavering support of his wife, who became not only his partner but also his caregiver and constant source of comfort. Their bond is unbreakable.

Ron is survived by his loving wife Nan, his daughter Ashley (Anthony) Morris, and his grandchildren Chloe "Bug" and Andrew "Bubs". As well as his brothers and sisters: Fay Reber, Steven (Mardi) Reber, David Reber, Scott (Tara) Reber, Darla (Jeff) McComb, and Janice (Gene) Morley.

He was preceded in death by his parents Elwood and Elaine Reber, and his sister Renee Reber Boyce (David).

Kindness guided the way he lived. He showed up for people - family, friends, neighbors - without being asked or expecting anything in return. He made others feel at ease within moments of meeting him. His humor was often exactly what someone needed. In honor of Ron, choose to be kind and "find diamonds in your own backyard".

We would like to thank family, friends, and some very special nurses from Intermountain hospice who helped ease the pain of his last moments.

Funeral services for Ron will be held at Spilsbury Mortuary in St. George, Utah, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, with a visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at the Hurricane Cemetery in Hurricane, Utah.

Those unable to attend the service are invited to join the livestream through the following link: Livestream Link Posting Soon

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

Friends and family are invited to sign his online guestbook below.