Bernus (Bernie) Reber

Bernus (Bernie) Lee Reber, 84, of Cedar City, Utah, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025, at his childhood home in Santa Clara, in the same room where he was born.

Bernie was the ninth child and youngest of Leo F. and Tessie Reber. He attended school in Santa Clara and St. George until his sophomore year when he moved to Cedar City. He graduated from Cedar High School in 1958 and later joined the Utah Army National Guard in 1962.

While in Cedar City, he met and fell in love with Linda Hunter. After returning from Basic Training in Fort Ord, California, he proposed to Linda and on April 11, 1964, they were married. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the St. George Temple on February 26, 1974.

Bernie and his brother Paul started Reber Brothers Painting in 1966. Bernie was a master painter and built the business into one of the most respected painting companies in Southern Utah.

Bernie served in many capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Stake High Council, was a Counselor in the Bishopric, and later became the Bishop of the Cedar 14th Ward.
Bernie had a deep love for the outdoors and could often be found hunting or fishing with his family, most often with his eldest son, Bruce—somehow always convincing Bruce to handle the messy parts.

When he wasn’t in the mountains, he was in his garden, tending to plants with a green thumb that went up to his elbow, which he inherited from his father. Bernie loved dogs and those who knew him well, knew he preferred the company of a dog to that of most people.

Bernie was known for his honesty, integrity, and boundless generosity—almost to a fault. Despite always giving to others, he still built a highly successful business.

Bernie and Linda raised a loving family in Cedar City. Their children are Becky (Wes) Peterson of Cedar City, Bruce (Lara) Reber of Cedar City, Jason (Jodi) Reber of Woods Cross, and Brittany (Ryan) McMichael of St. George. He was a proud grandfather to 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, all of whom adored him.

Above all, Bernie was a devoted husband, treasuring all 61 years with Linda. He was the epitome of a loving father and grandfather, always putting his family’s needs before his own. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with them.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters; one brother; his grandson, Jared Reber; and his brother-in-law, Keven Hunter. He is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Becky, Bruce, Jason, and Brittany; his sisters, Jeannine Harris and Ruth Esplin of Washington County; sister-in-law Sharon Batt, brother-in-law Michael Hunter; 14 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Rock Church (75 E. Center St., Cedar City, UT). A viewing will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Southern Utah Mortuary (190 N. 300 W., Cedar City, UT.) The viewing prior to the funeral will also be held at the Mortuary on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 from 9:00-10:45 am before services at the Rock Church. Interment will be in the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. To view the livestream of the funeral service and share online condolences, please visit www.mortuary.org.