Reta Harring

Reta Harring, 96, passed away on May 8, 2025, in Madison, Wisconsin. She was born on July 14, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan, to Floyd and Mabel Jarnagin.

A graduate of Michigan State University, Reta married and raised five children, which included years abroad in Epinal, France, and Edinburgh, Scotland. She worked for 22 years at Springs Window Fashions before retiring, but her passion for service and learning never slowed.

Reta was a dedicated volunteer throughout the Madison community. She taught computer classes and welcomed visitors at the Madison Senior Center, tutored international students through Friends of International Students, and shelved books at the Lakeview Library. She also tutored schoolchildren, ushered at the Overture Center, and was active at Lake Edge United Church of Christ—playing in the handbell choir, helping in the office, and serving on the church council.

Her efforts were recognized with the 2007 CWAG District Senior Achievement Award and a 2012 Rotary Volunteer Award. She also served as secretary and treasurer for the American Association of University Women.

Reta had a deep love for travel, visiting over 30 countries and 49 states. She traveled with Madison’s Friendship Force and hosted many international guests—most memorably Håkan from Sweden. One of her proudest accomplishments was taking each of her 10 grandchildren on a special Road Scholar trip, building lasting memories.

Athletics remained an important part of her life. In her late 60s, Reta became a national and international champion in senior women’s racquetball and also competed in table tennis at the Senior Olympics, and most recently, balloon volleyball at Oakwood Assisted Living. She served on the board of the Wisconsin Senior Games and enjoyed ski trips with Sports for Active Seniors.

Reta was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Jane Seubert; sister, Lois Hindhede; and daughter-in-law, Laurie Harring. She is survived by her children: David Harring, Nancy Iskander, Mark (Linda) Harring, and Judy (Steve) Hill; niece Karen Hindhede; nephew Neil Hindhede; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Reta lived a joyful, generous, and purposeful life. Her love of learning, service, and adventure will be remembered by all who knew her.

In accordance with her wishes, donations in her memory may be made to a charity of each individual’s choice.

A memorial service will take place at 12PM on Friday, August 1, 2025 at Cress Funeral Service, 3325 E. Washington Ave., 53704. A visitation will take place from 10AM until the time of service. A burial will take place later that day at Cottage Grove Cemetery.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com