Reta Florence Stauffer Baty

On April 11^th, 2023, Reta Florence Baty was lifted up to her heavenly eternal home by her Lord and Savior Jesus.

She was born on March 24^th, 1948, to Carlotta Delores (Donavan) and William Lawrence Stauffer in Savanah GA. She was the fourth of five children, and she was an exquisitely beautiful child. People often stared and remarked at her beauty.  However, Reta was born into adversity due to a brain injury she received at birth. Her entire earthly path was marked by the kind of hardship most would find unimaginable.

For Reta the difficulties of life were multiplied and intensified by the fact that she chose to suffer alone. She preferred solitude, refusing to be protected or to even accept that she was always deeply cherished. In spite of her inability to receive love, she held a tremendous depth of love and compassion. Her heart was completely given to the vulnerable, little children, animals, the elderly, the broken and forgotten ones.

Her bliss could be found in a stack of National Geographic magazines or in staying up til the wee hours of the morning watching scary movies while smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee. A perfect day for her would start at noon and would absolutely include pizza!

As a child Reta had an unusual desire to know God. She took possession of the family Bible, preferring to stay inside and read it rather than joining the other kids outside to play. Perhaps she sensed her need for God’s grace more keenly than the rest of us. As a young woman she opened her heart to Christ, receiving his promise of salvation. Now that promise has been fulfilled and she is abiding in his eternal light and love. Now she has been made whole, pain free for all of eternity! This knowledge is a source of great joy and comfort to us who have always loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Eddie, her sisters Janice and Liala, her nephew Rockie and her niece Brittany.

She is survived by her daughter April, sons Eric and Rell, grandchildren Chadlee and Serenity and her sister Julie.

She chose cremation and a private family service will take place.