Bernice Marie Arriaga was born February 3, 1926, on Willow Street at her Grandmother’s house, right here is Susanville. She was born 2nd in the family that eventually had 10 living children. there were only 2 boys and Bernice admitted that things could get pretty lively between the sisters. She was baptized into the Catholic church in Susanville on July 11, 1926 and proudly remained a lifelong Catholic. We know that Bernice graduated
from 8th grade at Honey Lake Elementary School and continued her education at Lassen High School.
She met Jesse Reuck in Susanville before joined the service and he soon convinced her to marry him. When he was home from the Navy on leave, they tied the knot in Reno on Dec 21, 1943. She admitted to only being 17 when she got married but it was not long before her 18th birthday. After Jesse shipped out with the SeaBees, Bernice stayed with his mother’s family on the ranch in Milford. She became quite close with his younger
siblings that still lived at home. Bernice did help out some but she never got used to getting up early like Minnie always did.
When Jesse was transferred to Maine, she traveled on the train clear across the United States so she could stay with him. Bernice enjoyed her time there and spoke fondly of the other young wives who were waiting for the War to be over. Because Jesse was married, he got an early release from the SeaBees, so she rode clear across the country by herself again. Jes and Bernice took up residence in Susanville. Bernice kept busy working and keeping house. She worked for Mrs. Terry doing book keeping and worked at the LaMesa and Knight’s Inn Motels as desk clerk. In 1955 Jesse joined the Catholic Church and they renewed their marriage vows in the Church on their anniversary in 1955.
In January of 1969 Bernice started Beauty School in the Bay area and received her cosmetology license in November Of 1969. She attended Modern Barber College of San Francisco Jan 30 1970 thru Jan 30, 1971. While attending college Bernice lived with her sister, Ruby. They enjoyed getting to revive their sisterly relationship. Bernice completed her Barber apprenticeship April 15, 1972. She worked at Bud’s Barber Shop until she
took over the whole shop in Dec of 1980. Bernice loved being a barber. She enjoyed talking and joking with all the customers, she gave many first haircuts and had many loyal patrons. She continued work and keep the shop open 5 days a week and didn’t retire until age 80.
Jesse passed away July 8, 2015, they were married for 72 years. Bernice was able to carry on by herself with a lot of help from her 2 nieces in Susanville until she fell and hurt her leg. Then she was cared for so lovingly by Lucy and her staff at Grandmother’s Crib in Reno. Bernice passed away in Reno on April 9, at age 99. Anytime we told her how old
she was she would loudly protest saying” I’m not that old!” She is survived by 2 sisters, Sidney Moore and Clara Strack and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside Services will be held April 29, 2025 at the Janesville Cemetery at 11:00a.m.
