“Dad held Mom's hand until Jesus came to hold the other hand and take her to the kingdom of Heaven” -Robin L. Reames
Mom was not a conventional person, so this is not a conventional obituary. As her eldest daughter, it is my birthright to narrate the story of her life. Mom fought a courageous and not without humor battle with glioblastoma, a radical form of brain cancer. She would want me to tell you she was diagnosed be a Laker. That’s who she was, so I’ll let those who love her most tell her story.
Sister-My sister was my best friend, and I will miss her dearly. She truly was an amazing and unique person in many ways. She lived a very full life, had many opportunities that only come along once in a lifetime, and tried to make the most of them. She touched so many people's lives. I couldn't be prouder of all her accomplishments over her years. Sometimes it's not the big stuff, but the little things that matter the most, and she knew that. Our parents taught us lots of great stuff, but mostly to help wherever or whenever you could, respect people, be kind, take responsibility, whether it’s for family, friends, or a stranger. Don't be judgmental, work hard, play hard, give thanks to go for all we have. Thank you for knowing, caring, loving, and praying for my sister Robin and our family. We truly appreciate it. You are the reflection of who she was. Go and pay it forward whenever you can, and remember Robin for who she was. I have only highlighted a few of Robin's talents and accomplishments. You all have your own stories and members, hold them close as we will hold ours.
Peace, Rita, Robin's Sister.
Aunt Robin- Robin Reames had many titles: wife, mother, sister, friend, mayor, Robin the paper lady, Robin at the pharmacy, Robin the babysitter. Whoever she was to you, she made an impact on your life; taking pride in caring for her community, caring for your kids so you could go to work, and embracing her daughters’ friends as if they were her own. She also held another title; to me, she was Aunt Robin, but like many of you, she was more than that. Simply calling her my aunt would be disingenuous; she was so much more than that. Many times, in my life, she went above and beyond, offering love (sometimes tough love), kindness, forgiveness, advice, and a couch to sleep on whenever I needed it. There is so much I could say about Aunt Robin, about who she was, what she did, and what she meant to me. But I’ve been instructed to narrow it down to just a few sentences. So for the sake of brevity, I’ll simply say, I loved her, and I know she loved me. - Randall Thompson
Mama Reames-Robin was a mother by choice and by heart. She made room—at her table, in her home, and in her life—and once you were there, you belonged. She taught me how to stretch what little there was into enough, and when guidance was needed, she offered it not with judgment, but with a question that invited you to pause, to think, and to choose better for yourself. Her coaching to correction was a form of care, rooted in respect and love. Her life was wide and well-traveled, shaped by service and stories from far beyond one place, yet always grounded in compassion. Robin moved through the world with an open hand and an open heart, helping wherever there was need. In one of our final conversations, I told her that she had made a difference in my life. She cried—tears of both sadness and joy—and said that, in the end, that is all anyone hopes to do: to make a difference in the world. And she did. - Cassi (King) Wallace
Dude Mom-She will forever be saved in my phone as “Mayor dude mom Reames.” She was Dude Mom before she was mayor. As a teenager, I got to run around with Rachel and spent most of my permitted hours at Dude Mom’s house. She was a second mom to me, but I couldn’t just call her mom. She was too cool for that. Thus, she became Dude Mom. I mean, she got me pot once, for a good cause, before it was legal. My brother was suffering from cancer, and pot helped. Dude Mom delivered. I could talk to her about boys. Of course, she thought they were all idiots. And Dude Mom was right. They were. But she didn’t judge me. Even when we got caught sneaking out, she just kinda shook her head and told us to be safe. She even had the grace to allow Rachel and me to continue our friendship after we ACCIDENTALLY set a car (and a house) on fire. I do remember she had to talk to her pastor/ preacher, though. She was really upset and wasn’t quite sure how to handle Rachel and I at that point. But she did forgive, and Dude Mom allowed me back in the house after a few weeks. And we never set another car or house on fire again. Whenever I came back from college or New Mexico, I always knew Dude Mom would have a place for me if I needed a bed. Dude Mom was cool. I mean, who else got to sell drugs and boss the police around? Dude Mom had street cred. I always knew I could trust her. - Sandi Grabasch
Mayor- As Mayor, she served as the chief elected leader of the Village, guiding community priorities, supporting village operations, and working to improve the quality of life for all residents. Her leadership was marked by compassion, collaboration, and a deep commitment to service. A dedicated conservationist, she cared deeply for the natural beauty of the Village and often worked with local inmates on community improvement projects. She also helped establish cherished community traditions, including the Easter Egg Hunt and the annual Trunk-or-Treat. She will be remembered as a kind, considerate, and community-minded leader whose impact will continue to be felt for years to come. - Joe Freyhof, Chief of Police
Pharmacy Tech-Robin devoted her time at the pharmacy to serving patients with compassion, often staying late or delivering prescriptions and other medications to their homes after hours. Her enthusiasm for the pharmacy's mission, her deep love for being part of and serving her small community that she cherished so much. She leaves behind a legacy of care, community, and family that will continue to inspire all the lives she has touched. - Jeff Holycross
Mom-The title that she could hear us yell across a parking lot or whisper through our tears and come running to our aid without a second thought. She was our friendliest critic, our biggest cheerleader, and the shovel that helped us bury our mistakes when they needed to disappear. Nothing is out of bounds, no secret too dark, no weight too heavy. She is there to help us hold our hardest burdens, remind us that everything is funny, and there will always be a silver lining; you just gotta look for it. She is the strongest, most independent, and loyal woman I’ve ever met. And she raised us to be the same, not by harsh consequences or strict rules. But, by setting the example, the standard, the par. She is the perfect blend of a sharp tongue, fierce presence, and unconditional empathy. She taught us to give selflessly, accept blessings graciously, and pay it forward every chance we can. I am so glad that the universe chose her for me. And if the universe messed up and gave me a different birth giver, I promise I would have spent my whole life searching for her. She’s not just my mom, she’s my best friend. She knows my darkest dark, and she still loves me every day. Unconditional love. - Rachel (Reames) Easton
To know my mom was to know you were loved. My mom was the most amazing mom I could ask for. She was always up for an adventure and hardly ever said no. We can't do this; it was always, well, let's try and find out. She welcomed every friend I brought home in high school and college; there was always room for another one at our table. I just hope that I can be half the mom that she was to me. I love you Mom - Rene’ Deniston
And her favorite, Mimi- She is the most awesomest, funny, and kindest Mimi, always gave 110% to her community and family. From the time I could walk, I was hanging out at her office and doing anything I wanted. Especially rollerblading around the building. She loved all of us equally. -Judah Denison (11 years old)
Mimi was loving, caring, feisty, inspiring, and never let anything get in her way (especially in the wheelchair). Every time I went over to her house, she always had something for us (or just me) to do I may not have liked those things, but I did them anyway because it made her happy. Watching her get sick was one of the hardest things I had to do, but she was so strong and gave us all she could until she couldn’t. We are so glad she made it almost two and a half years of fighting cancer; most people barely make it to two months, so we are so lucky to have had her for so long. I know she has lived the life she would have wanted to live in her 63 years of living. She may not have gotten to do everything on her bucket list, but dang did she do so much of it, and saw and did so many things. She had her routines, for example, Saturday shopping, almost every Sunday, we saw them. Her cancer really inspired me to pursue the career pathway of neurology and to become a radiologist in the future. She also became the mayor, which showed me that women can be in charge, especially powerful and determined women, and I didn’t understand that until recently, and I am so proud of her for doing all the things she did. -Cora Deniston (13 years old)
Obligatory Obituary Information: She is preceded in death by her Father, George Barrett; Mother-in-law, Betty Reames; stepmother, Joyce Barrett; grandpuppy Joi Joi, and mother, Marge Barrett.
Those she is leaving her legacy to, her husband, Cob Reames; daughters Rebeka (Billy Caines) Reames, Rene’ (Tim) Deniston, Rachel (Daniel) Easton, her beautiful grandchildren Cora and Judah, grand puppies Viola Easton and Phoenix Reames, and her kitties, Max, Lucy, Chloe, and Dad Cat.
My Mother is the most extraordinary person I will ever know. The greatest compliment I can be given is “You’re just like your Mother”. My request for you is to find your inner Robin, lead with kindness, and pay it forward. I love you, Your Eldest Daughter
Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am, Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Paradise Island, Indian Lake, 510 W Main St, Russells Point. Visitation is Wednesday, January 7th, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Shoffstall Funeral Home, 205 S. Main St., Lakeview. Burial is in East Liberty Cemetery, East Liberty, OH, with military rites performed by the United States Army and Logan County Veterans Honor Guard. A celebration wake will begin at 4:00 pm, Thursday, January 8th, at Indian Lake Brewery, 184 W. Main St, Russells Point.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in Robin’s memory to His Hands Extended Sanctuary, www.hhesclinic.wixsite.com/animal-sanctuary.
Arrangements are in the care of Shoffstall Funeral Home, Lakeview. Condolences may be expressed at www.shoffstallfuneralhome.com.
