John Valery Reitzell

John Reitzell passed away after a long illness on March 19, 2026. As a young man he travelled to California from Louisiana to begin work at a lifelong career in the lumber industry starting out in Rockport. He met and married Myrna Snook in Willits, and they moved to Ukiah where they had two children, Deborah Perkins and Jerry Reitzell Oglesby. John married Delores Smith (Dodie) after his first marriage dissolved and embraced her daughter Melody Smith as his own. John continued his lumber industry career until retirement and also enjoyed playing and performing music in Ukiah at various venues. John and Dodie enjoyed their community, their travels and made many memories with family and friends. Their interests led to owning an antique and collectables store in Ukiah after retirement. After Delores passed away, John enjoyed his music, family and friends for many years, passing at the age of 97.

 He is survived by his daughter Deborah Perkins (Chris), son Jerry Oglesby (Isabel), stepdaughter Melody Daquilante (Albert), grandchildren Colby Standley (Maria), Jeremy Standley (Kellie), Savanna Oglesby, Johnathan Larson (Kayla), Jamie Larson, Michael Larson (Kelly), great-grandchidren Kailani Skye Standley, Carson Standley, Ivy Standley, Breanna Larson, Katelynn Larson, Aubree Larson, Nathan Larson, Sophia Larson, Amelia Larson, and great-great grandchildren Harmony, Sapphira, Johnathan, Rowan, Wrenlee, Magnolia and Landon.

A private memorial will be held at Russian River Cemetery.