Reba Yvonne (Rich) Ringgold

Reba Yvonne Ringgold was born on February 27, 1937 in Denton, Maryland to the late Elwood and Mary Brooks Rich.  She passed peacefully from this life on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the Denton Nursing and Rehab in Denton, Maryland at the age of 87.  She was supported and surrounded by her loving family, during the last days of life.   

Reba was educated in Caroline County Public Schools and graduated from Lockerman High School, Class of 1955.  She was a loving and devoted wife to her husband, the late Walter O. Ringgold, Sr., for 45 years and was blessed with thirteen children.  Reba was a domestic worker for several families, with whom she formed long-lasting friendships.

She was a dedicated member of Metropolitan United Methodist Church in Denton, Maryland. 

Reba was known for her quiet and gentle spirit.  One of her favorite past times was talking on the phone to family and friends (Willia - Aunt Yvonne enjoyed the long phone conversations with you on your drive home from work).  She also enjoyed watching her soap operas (Love of Life, Search for Tomorrow, As the World Turns, Guiding Light and Young and the Restless).  Everyone knew not to bother her when it was time for her to watch her soaps.  She enjoyed her daily bike rides until her health started to decline.  She had a passion for working outside in her flower garden and took great pride in taking care of her yard.

She also took tremendous pride in her appearance as she was always seen wearing her jewelry, which matched her outfits, loved shopping and visiting with her favorite hairdresser (Mrs. Betty Savoy).  (Mrs. Betty - mom enjoyed the conversations and also enjoyed when Mr. Clarence would bring her something to eat while she was getting her hair done). 

Although she took pride in her appearance, she did not like taking pictures and if you were able to capture one, you could consider it a major accomplishment, especially to catch her smiling, lol. 

The grandkids could always count on Mom Mom to have plenty of snacks around when they visited her. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter O. Ringgold, Sr., one son, Keith Rich, one great-grandson, Tyjaye Mosley-Harris, three brothers; William Rich, Elwood Rich, and George Acree, three sisters; Lucille Rich, Dorothy Johnson, and Quintella Emory.

Reba leaves to cherish her memory, eight sons; Tony Rich (Sandy), Anthony Rich (Dalzell), Gregory Ringgold (Shirley), Ronald Ringgold, Rodney Ringgold (Treena), Roland Ringgold (Lisa), Dean Ringgold (Olivia), and Michael Ringgold (Crystal), four daughters; Antoinette Rich, Donna Ringgold (Ralph), Denise Simpson, and Michele Ringgold,

31 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great- grandchild, special family friend, Deborah Sharp, and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Willia Boyce, Linda Emory, Sylvia Emory and Vinnie Nichols for all that you did for Aunt Yvonne.  During this challenging time, your visits and support has been a true gift.  We wanted to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for all you have done.  Thank you!

Also a special thanks to Ronald Ringgold for all of the time you dedicated in helping to care for our mother.  It was very much appreciated.  Thank you!

A very special thank you to Donna Ringgold who was our mother’s primary caregiver.  Our sincerest thanks for giving so much of yourself to provide the care and attention our mother needed.  We will never forget your dedication, your wisdom, your compassion and your grace.  We highly appreciated it.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being so amazing & dedicated.

To the Denton Nursing and Rehab, we extend a heartfelt appreciation for the care that the staff provided for Reba.

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