Reta Vest passed away surrounded by her family at her daughter’s home, on August 1, 2026, at the age of 82. Her family is deeply saddened by her loss but finds comfort in the love and memories she leaves behind.
Reta was born on June 26, 1944. She was a true fighter. Two years ago, she was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic and liver cancer. Doctors gave her just three months to live without chemotherapy and six months with treatment. Although she chose to undergo only a few chemotherapy treatments, her remarkable strength, determination, and unwavering will to live allowed her to defy the odds and spend two more precious years with those she loved.
Reta will be greatly missed by her beloved daughter, Rhonda Vest-Nolan, and son-in-law, Benny Nolan. The bond she shared with her only granddaughter, Alexis Nolan, was truly special and will remain everlasting. She is also survived by her sisters, Nola Archambault and Aneita Gaines; Aneita’s partner, Leon Tipton, and his son, Caleb; her nephews, Corey Gaines and his wife, Jessica, and their son, Terrell; and Jared Gaines and his son, Liam. She will also be deeply missed by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Irvin and Donna Vest, and Donald and Fairy Hensley, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
Reta was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Chester Vest, who passed away on April 25, 2026; her parents, Noel and Rachael Combs; her brother, Billy Combs; her sister, Bertha Combs; and her brother-in-law, Mark Archambault.
After 64 years of marriage, Reta and Chester are together once again. Their love was the foundation of their family, and those who knew them find comfort in knowing they have been reunited.
Born and raised in Myrtle, Missouri, Reta grew up on her family’s farm. After graduating from high school, she met Chester Vest, and they were married on July 11, 1962. Together they moved to Granite City, where they built a loving home and raised their family. Reta enjoyed a successful 42-year career as an accountant at Mallinckrodt Chemical, where she took great pride in her work and dedication.
Reta treasured every stage of her daughter’s life. She and Rhonda spent countless weekends together attending pageants, an activity they both loved, and even participated together in several mother-daughter pageants. They also shared a love of shopping and making memories together.
When her cherished granddaughter, Alexis, was born, Reta found even greater joy in life. She faithfully attended Alexis’s pageants and dance competitions, enjoyed family trips to Disney, and loved simple moments like feeding the ducks at the park. One of their most treasured trips was traveling together to Arizona for Los Angeles Dodgers Spring Training as Alexis’s college graduation gift.
The love Reta’s family has for her will remain in their hearts forever. While they will miss her deeply, they find peace in knowing she is resting in God’s eternal embrace.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Donna Wolfe, Cassie Bernasco, and Sherrie Easley for the compassion, care, and support they gave during Reta’s journey.
In celebration of her life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Monday, August 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until time of a funeral service at 12:00 noon with Pastor Jarad Corzine officiating. Private family burial will follow at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Make-A-Wish Illinois. Alexis was blessed to receive a wish as a child and now honors that gift by serving as both a volunteer and a staff member with the organization.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.irwinchapel.com.
