Visitation: 5-7 p.m. June 28, at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa. Funeral: 11 a.m. June 29, also at the funeral home. Burial followed in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield. In Reba’s memory, the family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the ABA Shrine Hospital transportation fund, 601 E St. Louis St., Springfield, the Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation, 2500 Country Club Dr., Jefferson City, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Reba M. Pfander was welcomed into the gates of heaven by her beloved husband, Dr. Burl Z. Pfander, on Sunday, June 24, 2018, at the age of 92 years young.
She was born Reba Mae Lanz, on Oct. 27, 1925, on the family farm west of Lamar, to Fred and Emma Lanz.
Reba graduated from Liberal High School in 1943, and accepted a position with the U.S. Federal Land Bank in Nevada, where she worked until 1948.
Reba was united in marriage to Burl Z. Pfander on Sept. 5, 1948. Following Burl’s graduation in 1952, from the University of Missouri-School of Veterinary Medicine, Burl and Reba moved to Springfield and opened the Cottage Veterinary Hospital, which is still located at the corner of South Campbell and Sunshine Street.
While in Columbia, Reba worked as secretary to the chairman of the English department at Stephens College. After moving to Springfield, Reba went to work at Baird, Kurtz, & Dobson, currently known as BKD.
Reba helped Burl manage the veterinary office. It was her calling to help the animals and their owners meet their veterinary needs. Reba was involved in many civic and community activities. Her interests included Nixa Sucker Day—where many people would remember Reba as the strawberry pie lady. She was committed in supporting the Riverdale 4H Club, Missouri Junior Hereford Association, Nixa FFA, Nixa bands and Nixa sports teams. Reba also enjoyed spending her summers at the local and state fairs, serving up her sweet tea in the barns. She was proud to watch the beautiful red-bodied, white-faced Herefords in the show ring, with those outstanding young men and women in the lead.
Reba is survived by one son, Dr. Michael B. Pfander and his wife Jeanne; one granddaughter, Meghan M. Volkmann, “who was the treasure of her life,” and husband Jeremy; and a special young women that she loved as a daughter, Cindy B. (Gullett) Reed and husband Steve. Reba leaves behind a sister-in-law, Maurine Lanz; in addition to several nieces and nephews, who were a constant joy throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Wallace N. Lanz and Calvin A. Lanz; a sister, Marie Banwart; and her husband, Dr. Burl Z. Pfander. Reba will be greatly missed by her family, friends, clients and the young people whose lives she touched.
A very special thank you goes to Dr. Richard Cunningham, “Home Sweet Home Care,” and their dedicated caregivers.
