Saltville, Virginia

Reba Kestner Gates, age 83, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. She was born in Saltville, Virginia on May 24, 1942.

Reba was a devoted Christian whose faith guided her life each day. She was a loving and devoted wife, a caring mother, and a proud and cherished grandma. Her greatest joy came from her family, and she will always be remembered for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and the love she gave so freely to those around her. She was a proud 1960 graduate of R.B. Worthy High School and a member of Buckeye Hollow Pentecostal Holiness Church. Reba worked as a seamstress at Buster Brown in Chilhowie, Virginia for over 30 years, where she was known for her dedication and strong work ethic. She also deeply cherished the friendships she formed there. Reba's legacy of love, faith, and devotion to her family will live on in all who knew and loved her

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Gates; mother, Pauline Kestner; father, Keller Kestner; and sisters Betty "Toppie" Cahill, Patsy
"Renie" Poston, Carolyn "Sweetie" Ferguson, and Kay Kestner.

She is lovingly survived by her daughters, Jill (Michael) Talbert and Mitzi (Mark) Frye; her cherished grandsons, Benjamin Talbert, Hunter (Megan)
Frye, Tyler (Kayla) Frye, and Jonmichael Talbert; and her precious great- grandson, Daxton Frye, who brought her so much joy; she is also survived by her dear sisters, Sylvia Brinkley and Mae Cardwell; along with many nieces, nephews, sisters-in law, a brother-in-law, cousins and friends. Each of them held a special place in her heart.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 5-7 PM at the D.R. Henderson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 11 AM at the funeral home with Pastor Wade Kestner and Pastor David Gibson officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Rose Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons and great-nephews.

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Reba Kestner Gates.