Reita Lavelle Mudd died peacefully in her sleep at Glenn Medical Center (the former Glenn General Hospital) in Willows on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. The youngest of five children, she was born at Glenn General Hospital to Clyde and Elna Stout on April 26, 1931.
She graduated from Willows High School with the class of 1949. Her future husband of 66 years, Richard (Dick) Mudd, was three years ahead of her in high school.
In high school, Dick and Reita did not like each other much at all, but things changed a few short years later. After Dick returned from the Korean War, they got along well and even made a perfect match, getting married in 1954.
She was a lifelong resident of Willows and was happy to assist in the community. In the 1980s, she served a few terms as president of the Glenn County Wool Growers, as well as being on the Glenn County Fair Board.
Additionally, she was involved for many years with the Willows Alumni Association and enjoyed working at some antique stores in the community. She went on to live a quiet but happy and full life at the Mudd Ranch.
Her absolute favorite artist was Merle Haggard, though once in a while she would surprise you by cleaning house to KISS. She was always known for her Christmas collection of Santas and her taste in jewelry and was a great party planner.
She enjoyed weekly Tuesday morning breakfasts her son’s family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.
Survivors include her daughter, Gisele Macy (spouse, Clint), and grandson Jesse Macy of Deer Park, Wash.; son Ray Mudd (spouse, Cathy), grandson Jared Mudd and granddaughter Vanessa Mudd of Willows; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard (Dick) Mudd; siblings Mabel (spouse, Frank), Clyde Jr., Punk (Elda), and Bobe (Verl) (spouse, Adele); and her parents and grandparents.
A graveside funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday, March 11. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on Reita’s behalf to the Glenn County Fair Heritage Foundation or the Willows Alumni Association.
The Glenn County Observer 