Obituary for Reba Caroline Holland Coats

(Updated: 1:15pm, 6/16/25)

Reba Caroline Holland Coats, 94 of Kenton passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025.  Born in Kenton, Ohio on December 11, 1930, the youngest of five children to John Herbert Holland and Opal Holland. 

She married Fred Coats on January 26, 1951, and he preceded her in death on June 19, 2002.  Reba is survived by her sons, Stewart (Bernadette) Coats, Burke Coats and daughter, Maureen (Paul) Root. 

She is also survived by four grandchildren; Paul (Marissa) Root, Sean (Amy) Root, Tyler (Rebecca) Root, Megan (Tyler) Kindred, great grandchildren; Austin, Colton, and Lane Root, Ellie and Cooper Root, Graham and George Root, Bryant, Myra and Camden Kindred and her significant other, Miles Sheldon who was her devoted caregiver for many years.

Reba also has 3 step grandchildren; Aaron (Nicole) Ashba, Adam Ashba, Alan (Amber) Ashba and 8 step great grandchildren; Brianna, Brady, Audrey, Sophia, Katherine, Aston, Lane and Amelia.  Reba was preceded in death by her parents, husband Fred and siblings; Mary Kay Carey, Dorothy Stoughton, Ray Holland and Keith Holland.

She was a 1948 graduate of Kenton High School. She earned her teaching degree from Ohio Northern University and was a teacher for Kenton City Schools where she retired after 31 years. Reba was an active member of Kenton First Methodist Church where she served in the Elizabeth Circle. 

She also was a member of the University Club, the Retired Teachers Club, Card Club and the Genealogy Society.  She was also a volunteer at Hardin Memorial Hospital and actively participated in exercise classes at the YMCA.  Reba enjoyed traveling, reading and was always learning, attending Bluffton University in her 80’s.  

A Memorial Service to celebrate Reba’s life will begin at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Kenton First Methodist Church where the family will receive friends from 9:00 AM until the time of service. 

A burial will follow in Grove Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in memory of Reba to the Fred and Reba Scholarship Fund c/o The Community Foundation. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Schindewolf-Stout-Crates Funeral Home.  Online condolences can be expressed to the family by visiting stoutcrates.com.