Reva Gae Haskins

Reva Gae, daughter of Frank and Eva (Buthman) Birks, was born July 27, 1941, on the family farm near Manilla, Iowa. Reva graduated from Manilla High School in 1959.

   On May 1, 1960, Reva was united in marriage with Darwin Haskins at the Irwin Church of Christ. Three daughters were born to this union: Karie, Kris and Kelly. Through the years she worked at Burcliff Industries, in the OB ward at the St. Anthony Carroll hospital and at Elk Horn Salem Lutheran Home, in addition to various part-time jobs.   Reva worked as a CNA at the Manning Plaza Nursing Home for 30 plus years, where she touched numerous lives.

   Reva’s entire family enjoyed fishing trips to Minnesota and bowling and golfing together. They attended innumerable softball games for Darwin and the girls as well. Reva was a great cook and well-known for her potato salad and brownies. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinal’s fan and loved watching cardinal birds in her garden. Reva and Darwin enjoyed trips to the casino together.

   For almost a year Reva fought a courageous battle with cancer. She died peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday morning, August 13, 2019 at Accura HealthCare of Manning (formerly the Manning Plaza Nursing Home). She was 78 years and 17 days of age.

   Reva is preceded in death by her parents; brother Allen Birks; and great grandchild Owen Waterbury-Lingle.

   She is survived by her husband Darwin Haskins of Manning; daughters: Karie Cole (Dixon) of Manning; Kris Waterbury (Jim) of Manning; Kelly Nissen of Manning; grandchildren: Matt Cole (Susannah); Andrea Troutner (Jeff); Adam Waterbury (Liz); Alisa Waterbury-Lingle (Jess Lingle); Rhea Gipple (Trevor); Jessica Pauley (Ben) and Tanner Bald (Jeana Shepherd); great grandchildren: triplets James, Madelynn and Hannah Cole; Lincoln Cole; Grace and Nick Troutner; James and Arya Waterbury; Austin Waterbury-Lingle; Braxton, Parker, Josie and Harvey Gipple; Ava and Will Pauley; sister Peggy Jo Ahrenholtz (Roger) of Manilla; brother Randy Birks (Rachel) of Irwin; sister-in-law Joann Birks of Manilla; other relatives and many friends.