Ernest John Reber

Ernest John Reber passed away on September 16, 2023 in St. George, Utah, surrounded by his family.

“Ernie”, as he was known to his family and friends was born on March 13, 1970, in Bakersfield, California to Robert and Nadine Reber. Ernie was raised in California and moved to Cedar City, Utah after high school. It was here that he met Shana Wilson, and they were married in Las Vegas on November 11, 1989. Together, they had three children, Joelle, EJ and Alyssa. They were later divorced. Ernie married Lettie Smith in 2005, and they had a son, Treyston. They were later divorced.

Ernie attended Richfield Technology Center becoming certified as a Diesel Mechanic. He worked as a mechanic in Salt Lake City, Cedar City and Las Vegas. He loved being a mechanic and he could, literally, fix anything. Aside from working on trucks he loved collecting baseball cards, Hot Wheels and making keepsakes for his children and grandchildren.

Ernie had a special love for his children, grandchildren, his dogs and, of course, fishing. If you couldn’t get in touch with him, he was out on the lake, pole by the water, casting a line, “right in the fishes mouth”, hoping to catch a “lunker”. His favorite moments were spent with his father, Robert, and his children casting a line and waiting to catch the “big one”.

Ernie moved back to Cedar City in 2021 to be near his children and grandchildren. He had a special love for his children and made sure that each one thought they were his #1. They, of course, let him think they didn’t know that the others were also #1. He had an infectious laugh, was always cracking jokes, but when you left him it was always with a big hug and an “I love you”.

Ernie will be missed by his loving family here as he reunites with his mother, sister, and furry friends waiting anxiously for him at the gates of Heaven. As we continue this journey of life without our beloved father, grandfather, brother, and son by our side, we will keep his memory alive by finding him in all the little things we do. When we fish by the lakeshore, there will always be a second pole for him.

Ernie is survived by his children, Joelle Reber, EJ Reber, Alyssa (Andy) Jackson, Treyston Smith; parents, Robert and Penny Reber; and four grandchildren, Aaliyah, Sariah, Cruztyn and Emerie.

He was preceded in passing by his mother, Nadine Reber, and sister, Juanita.

Ernie's arrangements are under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.mortuary.org