Brenda Gail (Trawick) Highfill, 69, passed away unexpectedly on March 10, 2026, at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto.

Brenda was born to Allen and Joyce (Harper) Trawick on November 7, 1956 in Oakdale. She lived most of her life in Riverbank, graduating from Riverbank High School in 1974. While at Riverbank High, Brenda was on the swimming and dive team and pursued her passion for art, helping to paint the murals on the high school walls. Her love for painting and crafting continued throughout her life.

In 1978, Brenda married her first husband, David Reece. She and David were married for twelve years and had two daughters together. She later met the love of her life, Billy Jack Highfill. They were married in 1998, happily living together for 27 years.

Brenda and Billy spent most of their life together in Oakdale, moving to La Grange only a few years ago. Family was always the primary focus of their home. While Brenda loved her blended family, and was a dedicated mother and wife, she especially loved being a grandmother to her six grandbabies. Her favorite past time was doting on her grandchildren and making sure they knew how much they were loved. In her free time, she enjoyed riding horses, gardening, camping, watching racing, and cheering on her beloved Raiders!

Throughout her life, Brenda was a dedicated friend, coworker, and employee. She took pride in hard work. Many may remember her driving the school bus for the Riverbank School District or making friends with her while she worked at Daniel’s Market. After a career change, Brenda worked in the office at Bud Brown Trucking. She retired from Ernest Prouty & Sons in Turlock after 20 years of service.

Brenda was incredibly loyal, kindhearted, and always made people feel welcome in her home. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.

Brenda is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Billy Highfill, and sister, Patricia Blount. She is survived by daughters, Kylie Reece (Kevin) and Brianne Reece (Nick); stepchildren, Megan Shelby (Andrew) and Clayton Highfill; grandchildren, Marcus, Ava, Charity, Dominick, Lily, and Rhett; her sister, Linda Cook (Steve); her brother, Allen Trawick Jr.; and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the home of Lisa Morey, 12643 Lone Oak Road, Waterford on Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

The Riverbank (Calif.) News

April, 15, 2026