Della Jean (Wood) Reither

Della Jean Reither, 94, of King, NC, a beacon of unwavering faith and boundless love, completed her earthly journey on August 31, 2025. She was surrounded by the warmth of family at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem, NC. Born on a bright summer day, August 7, 1931, in Denver, Colorado, Della's life was a tapestry of devotion, service, and melody that touched many hearts.

Della, as she was affectionately known, was a woman whose life was a profound testament to the virtues of kindness and compassion. Her journey began as a daughter, grew into that of a sister, blossomed into a wife and mother, and flourished as a grandmother and beyond. Her family was her pride, her joy, and her most cherished accomplishment.

In her early years, Della's hands were rarely still, as she lovingly crafted a home filled with warmth and comfort. Her skills as a seamstress were only matched by her meticulous attention to detail as a bookkeeper. Della's professional path also led her to manage a Dairy Queen, where she spread her kindness and joy as effortlessly as she spread toppings on a sundae.

Faith was the cornerstone of Della's existence, with the public display of her faith in Christ Jesus through baptism on January 27th, 1980, at which point she faithfully followed Christ all the days of her life. She lived her beliefs with every breath and every action. Her voice, a vessel of her spirit, soared in praise as she sang with the Sweet Adelines and her church choir. Through melodies and harmonies, she shared the message of love and faith that she held so dear.

Della's life was a living sermon, a guide for those who sought a path of light. She was a woman who did not merely speak of love but lived it fully and freely. Her legacy is not only in the family she nurtured but also in the countless lives she touched with her gentle kindness.

Her parents, Russell Wesley Wood Sr. and Clara Eigenmann Wood, her husband, Freece Adolph Reither, and her siblings, Paul Donald Wood, Pearl Clara Page, Russell Wesley Wood Jr., and James (Jimmy) Leonard Wood, who preceded her in passing, no doubt welcomed her with open arms at Heaven's gates. Left to cherish her memory and continue her legacy are her loving children: Karen Styers, Kim Reither, Kevin Reither, and Kurt Reither. Her lineage, a testament to her love, includes ten grandchildren, thirty-three great-grandchildren, and twenty-four great-great-grandchildren who will carry forward her teachings and warmth.

Della's departure from this world was as she lived her life, peaceful and graced with dignity. As we reflect on the life of Della Jean Reither, let us not dwell on the sorrow of her passing but celebrate the joy of her life. She was a woman who embodied the spirit of giving, a soul who lived to make the world a kinder and more loving place.

May we find comfort in knowing that Della's journey continues in a realm beyond our own, where her faith has found fulfillment and her spirit sings in eternal chorus. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, she was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure. As we say farewell to Della, let us hold fast to the love she shared, the wisdom she imparted, and the example she set. May her story inspire us to live with purpose, to love without reservation, and to make each day a verse in the song of life that she so beautifully sang.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at First Baptist Church of King.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, 101 Hospice Lane. Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

Slate Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Della Jean Reither. Online condolences may be offered at www.slatefh.com.

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