DUE TO POTENTIAL INCLEMENT WEATHER, PLEASE NOTE THE TIME CHANGE FOR FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026

Visitation at FBC Winnsboro at 12:00 noon

Funeral at FBC Winnsboro at 1:00 pm

Reba Gaye LaRue was the second child born to Barnie and Elsie (McAllister) LaRue on February 24, 1938 in Wood County, Texas. Reba grew up learning and enjoying to work on a farm, including picking seasonal crops, caring for livestock, and cooking for family. Life on the farm led Reba to develop a strong dependence on God and family, which guided her through all seasons of life.

Reba graduated from Winnsboro High School in 1956, where she developed many lifelong friendships. Upon graduating, Reba moved to Terrell, TX. She worked various positions in Terrell and Dallas. It was here she met and married the love of her life, Henry Spiva on April 19, 1958.

As God allowed them to begin their family with Tim and then Tammy following shortly after, Reba supported Henry’s new career with General Electric in Dallas. Within a few years they built a new home in Terrell where she worked for American National Bank. During her time at the bank, she enjoyed meeting and assisting customers, many of whom became friends. However, their time in Terrell was shortened with a General Electric transfer to Virginia Beach, VA for 7 years. The cross-country move strengthened Reba’s faith in the Lord as she created a new home for the family in Virginia Beach. Soon after the move, she became a secretary at the Elementary school where she was a blessing to many and was blessed by many friendships. While in Virginia, God blessed them with another daughter, Monica.

After leaving Virginia, Reba helped transition the family with many more General Electric transfers including the Texas Hill Country, Oklahoma, Georgia and finally back to North and East Texas permanently. While residing in these new places, she garnered an entrepreneurial spirit and worked in many home-based businesses including Sarah Coventry and Home Interiors. Reba naturally enjoyed these opportunities and received many awards. Reba had gifts for decorating, entertaining, and cooking. Using these skills, Reba established businesses in catering, party planning and floral design.

Upon moving back to Texas in the mid-1980s, Henry retired from GE. Together with Reba’s hard work, they began their own business in Garland, TX. With the growth of the business and their desire to return to East Texas, the business was moved to Winnsboro in 1992. Together Henry and Reba invested in the community through the business, church, and social organizations. They had a heart for the community, and Reba used their home to continue entertaining family, friends and guests often.

Perhaps Reba’s greatest joys have been the 7 grandchildren, their spouses, and the 14 great- grandchildren who have added immeasurable love through the years. She enjoyed spending time with grandchildren in the garden, by the pool, and over snacks of big red floats and Cheetos. Despite her lapse in memory in recent years, she did not fail to recognize a familiar face-especially her family.

Reba is survived by her children, Tim and Holly (Wells) Spiva; Tammy (Spiva) Cooper; Monica (Spiva) and Glen Calvert. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren Cody and Samantha Spiva with Hagen, Tyce and Gracey; Clint and Amanda Spiva; Wesley and Kelsey Cooper with Clark and Caroline; Robert and Emily Cooper with Luke, Josh and Hannah; Rebekah and Matt Rich with Isabelle, Adrianna, Naomi and Vanessa; Amanda and Kyle Wroblewski with Addilyn; and Christine and Kyle Tosh with Layla. She also leaves behind 2 siblings, brother Jim and wife Sally (East) LaRue; sister Mary (LaRue) and husband George Beavers; in-laws Barbara (Spiva) Sutherland; Clara (Spiva) and Wes Ratliff; as well as countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Darlene Acker, husband Henry and son-in-law Blake Cooper.

A special thank you to Wesley Oaks Memory Care in Sulphur Springs, TX for the care and attention given to Reba during the latter part of her battle with dementia. Also, thank you to Choice Hospice Sulphur Springs for the short time you assisted Reba and the family.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to your local church or the charity of your choice.