Arthur “Jay” Reeder, age 89, left his earthly home in Auburn and entered his heavenly home on April 23, 2025. He was a man who loved his wife and family deeply. If he could speak right now, we think he’d say he lived way longer than he expected. He was a fighter, living through polio as a child and many other health issues that he overcame. Jay was a quiet man with a dry sense of humor. He knew that Jesus was with him always.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Janet (Anderson) Reeder; his son, Arthur J Reeder, Jr. (Sue), and daughter, Pam Stariha (Gary); nine cherished grandchildren, Jennifer, Jeff, Kent, Joy, Craig, Jessica, Alissa, Brynna, and Jonathan; ten blessed great-grandchildren, Beck, Tessa, Josie, Truen, Michael, Alexis, Cameron, Brooke, Shepherd, Abrielle; sister-in-law Sharon and many nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his daughters: Deborah Pesicka (Dan) and Janice Davidson, son-in-law Mark Davidson, sister Ruby MacFarlane, and brother Paul Lavell.

Jay was born in Wood River, Nebraska on October 6th, 1935. Jay and Janet spent most of their married life in the Auburn, Washington area but started out in Nebraska where they were both born and raised. He worked as a ranch hand there, drove trucks in Alaska and spent the majority of his working life with Boeing Company from August of 1957 to March of 1994. He very much enjoyed camping with his family, watching the Seattle Seahawks and was an avid fan of the Mariners. After retirement, he enjoyed spending winters in Arizona at the South Forty, traveling to visit and share life with his children and grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held at Yahn and Son Funeral Home

55 West Valley Hwy S, Auburn, WA on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM with visitation beginning at 11:00 AM. Reception to follow.