12/09/2025
Reba Daniel Ferrell
October 2, 1938 — November 3, 2025
Plano
After a valiant two-decade battle against Parkinson's disease, Reba Daniel Ferrell's spirit rose to heaven from her home in Plano, TX on November 3, 2025. Reba was born in Vivian, LA., the eldest daughter of Walter Leland Daniel and Dorthy Anderson Daniel. Her family relocated to the farming community of Blooming Grove, TX, where Reba completed her primary and secondary education. She graduated in 1957 as Valedictorian. During her student years at Blooming Grove, she was an outstanding athlete, named Most Representative, served as a class officer, was President of the Future Homemakers of America, and editor of the high school yearbook. In 2007, Reba was recognized as an outstanding alumnus of Blooming Grove High School.
Reba attended Navarro College before her employment at the Federal General Accounting office in Dallas, TX, where she was formally recognized as an exceptionally meritorious employee. Following her marriage on June 4, 1960 to her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Ralph Tillman Ferrell, Reba relocated to Austin, TX, where she continued her employment as a federal government employee to provide financial support while Ralph completed his doctoral studies in Chemical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin.
Her only child, daughter Lisa Ferrell Bacic, was born in Austin, TX on February 2, 1964. At the age of 44, after supporting Ralph's career and rearing Lisa to a young adult, Reba completed her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at McNeese University where she was recognized as the scholastic high honor graduate.
Reba faced Parkinson's with strength and dignity, her laughter and compassion remaining constant throughout. Before Parkinson's slowed her physical body, Reba loved playing tennis, water skiing, reading, and using her skills as an accomplished seamstress. Her greatest joy, however, was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Nothing brought Reba greater joy than supporting her grandchildren - she never missed a soccer game, dance recital, or celebration, always their most devoted and enthusiastic supporter. She took immense pride in each of their accomplishments and found great happiness in watching them grow into remarkable individuals.
Reba's life was richly defined by her love of family and by her enduring passions for travel and philanthropy. She marveled at Earth's vast landscapes, loved to view wildlife in its native habitat, and was fascinated by the diverse cultural environment of countries and peoples around the world. During her travels, Reba visited all 50 of the United States and more than 120 countries on all seven continents. Although she fervently supported medical science and child abuse prevention, her primary philanthropic efforts were directed towards advancing education. Included in these actions were endowed scholarships at The University of Texas at Austin and, for many decades, annually awarded scholarships to graduates of Blooming Grove High School.
Reba was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Dorthy Daniel; her infant elder brother, Walter Leland Jr.; and her sister, Belva Jean Clark, and husband, Jack. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Ralph Tillman Ferrell; her daughter, Lisa, and son-in-law, Chris Bacic; her grandson, Daniel Bacic and fiance Shireen Toubbeh; her granddaughter, Kelsey, and husband, Garrett Lucero; and sister, Johnnie Mae Daniel.
Reba's unwavering love and boundless care were at the heart of her family. Her legacy of compassion endures in all who were blessed to know her, and we take comfort in knowing she is finally at peace after her long and graceful battle.
A Celebration of Life will occur at her home, 5713 Arcady Place, Plano, TX 75093, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Sunday, January 11, 2026. A memorial service and reception will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Dresden Methodist Church, 13672 FM 744, Barry, TX,75102 where Reba first met Ralph about 80 years ago.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate support of her favorite philanthropy: The Ruth Edmundson Ramsey Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 54, Blooming Grove, TX 76626.
To order memorial trees in memory of Reba Daniel Ferrell, please visit our tree store.
