Reatha was born in Los Angeles, CA on February 25th, 1936 to Earl and Bernice McColly. She grew up in Silverton, OR with her mother, father, three brothers and one sister. She married James Strom at 16 years old and they had three sons: Craig, Scott and Kent. James was in the military, so they traveled a lot and lived in various places. James died in 1969 in Germany which prompted Reatha and her sons to move back to Salem, OR where she finished raising her children as a single mother and resided for the rest of her life. Reatha passed Away at Salem Hospital on 11-20-2021 at 12:15 AM with her son Kent by her side.

Reatha worked at the State of Oregon in the mail room with the employment division and that is where she retired from. She loved her job and made many wonderful friends while working there.

Reatha was the kind of woman that if she was a part of your life in some way, you will never be able to forget her. She was strong, independent, fierce, and stubborn. But she was also kind, loving, generous, caring, and full of life.

Reatha is survived by her son Kent Strom, his wife Leslie Strom and son Craig Strom. Siblings; Dick McColly, Dennis and Pam McColly, Gaylen and Sandy McColly, and Charlene Sayer. She had nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son Scott in 2013.

Reatha's memorial service will be held on December 12th, 2021 at 11am at Unger Funeral Chapel in Silverton, OR. There will be a graveside service for immediate family only following the memorial. We will be having a celebration of life shortly after the graveside service at Main St Bistro in Silverton, OR.