On Sunday, April 6, 2025, our beloved “Queen Bea,” Rebha Dare Mende, passed away peacefully at the age of 98. She was surrounded by family, holding her son’s hand as she quietly and painlessly left us. Rebha lived a remarkable life, filled with love, laughter, and an undeniable spark that lit up every room she entered. Her son often said she was a true “chameleon” — able to connect with anyone and everyone. If he could bottle up her unique ability to make others feel at ease, he would be a wealthy man.

Rebha was born on June 12, 1926, in the small mountain town of Troutdale, Virginia. She lived a full and fascinating life, one that saw its share of hardships and triumphs. Her father tragically passed away in a farming accident when she was only one year old. As a teenager during World War II, Rebha and her mother worked tirelessly in an ammunition factory, supporting the war effort by making bullets for the troops.

In her youth, Rebha’s striking beauty caught the eye of others, and she was encouraged to move to New York to pursue a career in modeling. However, fate had other plans. In New York, she met a dashing young pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps who flew B-17 bombers. They married, and just over a year later, she became a mother to a son.

After the war, Rebha’s husband used his flying skills to start an aerial photography business, working for the government on various projects, including mapping roads, dams, lakes, and military bases. Rebha and their young son traveled across the country, often in a camper, while her husband and his crew flew ahead to their next destination. It wasn’t always easy—her son often jokes that calling her a "good driver" might be a bit of a stretch!

When the family’s nomadic lifestyle became too much to bear, Rebha decided it was time to settle down. After the birth of two more children—a daughter and another son—she urged her husband to pick a location for them to call home. He chose Roanoke, Virginia, drawn to the area by its airport. In 1975, Rebha had the opportunity to purchase the family farm in Troutdale. By 1980, she had built a house there and began her own Christmas tree farm. The Christmas tree business was growing rapidly in the Virginia mountains, and every year, Troutdale held a “Christmas in July” parade. Rebha would often convince one of her children to don the Mr. Santa costume while she dressed as Mrs. Santa, joyfully tossing candy to the children from her golf cart. It was a tradition that brought much joy to the town.

In the later years of her life, Rebha moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, to be closer to her oldest son and his family. She spent over 25 years in a wonderful retirement community, where she became known as the "Bridge Master" of the community, a title she held with great pride.

Rebha’s memory will be cherished by her children, Donald, Carla, and Gary (who passed away in 2021); her grandchildren, Doa, Andrew, Lawrence, Joseph, Christina, Samantha, and Jennifer, as well as her great-grandchildren, Travis, Chayna, Connor, Amelia, David, Katherine, Sid, Emma, Aneirin, and Osian. She is also survived by many extended family members, cousins, and friends who will forever remember her.

A family memorial service is currently being planned, and details will be shared soon. Rebha’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her love, kindness, and infectious smile will be deeply missed.