Reta Birkhead

Reta Birkhead passed away peacefully at her home in Midland on Wednesday, January 12, 2024.  Reta was born to PM and Flossy Burnett on March 10, 1940. She grew up on the family Polled Hereford stock farm and graduated from Hobbs High School in Hobbs, TX, May 1958. Reta attended and graduated from Sul Ross State University in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. She met and married the love of her life, EP Birkhead Jr., a calf roper at Sul Ross University. Rodeo became a big part of her life. Reta and E. P. made their home in Midland, Texas and have one son, James and a grandson, Weston who both were the apple of her eye. EP and Reta owned Birkhead Feed Store for 47 years. It was a family affair.

Reta was a devoted school teacher for 33 years. She taught in Odessa for 31 years and San Antonio, TX for 2 years. She taught first, second, and third grades, gifted and talented classes third through sixth grades, and was a supervisor for the University of Texas Permian Basin. Her passion for teaching and creating experiences for her students showed in her approach to every lesson plan and the memory making learning environment she created so that each student’s life would be impacted.

At 45, Reta entered the ribbon roping in Fort Worth, Texas placing third in the event. This changed her life outside of the classroom. Reta would go on to compete for several years and in 2011 was inducted into the National Senior Pro Rodeo Association Hall of Fame. Reta and EP enjoyed rodeoing in so many states and Canada having many adventures and making lifelong friends. In more recent years, Reta took delight in encouraging others and keeping the light on for family and friends as they came to visit. You could always count on her for an encouraging word, a delicious meal and a warm hug. Reta’s love and zeal for life will be missed by all who knew her.

Reta is survived by husband of 64 years, EP Birkhead, son, James Elmo Birkhead, grandson, Weston James Birkhead, sisters, AnnaBeth Martin, Roby, TX, Patsy Hamilton of Dallas, Texas, Lynda Teal of Waco, Texas, one brother, Max Burnett of Waco, Texas. Reta leaves numerous nieces and nephews who all treasure her memory. She is preceded in death by her father, PM Burnett and mother, Flossy Burnett and sister, Jenny Armstrong.

Private family burial services will be held at 11:00am Wednesday, January 17, 2024. The memorial service will be held at 10:00am, Thursday, January 18, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church in Midland, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Reta’s memory to First United Methodist Church Midland, Texas.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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