Bonnie Reese (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Bonnie Lee Reese, daughter of Lee O. and Jessie F. Everett Roper, was born September 27, 1924, near Morgan, Missouri. She departed this life Sunday, October 28, 2018, in Northridge Place, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of ninety-four years, one month, and one day.
On May 6, 1944, she was united in marriage to John Warren Reese, and to this union four daughters were born.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Lloyd H. “Jim Don” Roper.
Bonnie is survived by her loving husband of seventy-four years, John, of the home; four daughters, Susan Reese Sellers, of Houston, Texas, twins, Elizabeth Reese, and Katherine Terry, and her husband, Sam, all of Southlake, Texas, and Cindy Walters, and her husband, Mike, of Lebanon, Missouri; two grandsons, Scott Walters, and his wife, Stefanie, of Baltimore, Maryland, and Chris Walters, and his wife, Nicole, of Lebanon, Missouri; five great-grandchildren, Anslee, Hattie, Kendall, Aiden, and Benjamin; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.
She was born and raised in the Morgan community and graduated from Lebanon High School in the Class of 1942. After she and John were married, they made their home in Lebanon except for the time that John was in pharmaceutical school. Bonnie was a devoted homemaker to her husband and a loving mother to her daughters, and also helped John for many years in the operation of their business, Reese Pharmacy, in downtown Lebanon.
Bonnie was a longtime, active member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She was one of the matriarchs in the church and had served in almost every capacity within the church, including the Christian Women’s Fellowship and as chairman of various committees. She was currently serving as an Elder Emeritus. Her deep faith in Christ was always at the center of life and she loved her church dearly.
She co-chaired planting the rose garden at the Governor’s Mansion in Jefferson City that was created in honor of Juanita Donnelly. She was a member of the EO Chapter of PEO for fifty-four years, belonged to the Libra Club, was on the founding board of the Crosslines Ministry, and helped establish public kindergarten in Lebanon. She enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of two bridge clubs. She liked working in her garden and particularly loved growing roses. She also did needlepoint projects, enjoyed antiquing, and liked dancing and listening to Swing music. She was well known for her baking skills, especially apple pie, and all of her family and friends looked forward to her Christmas cookies each year. She loved her family dearly and especially enjoyed following her grandsons and great-grandchildren in their sporting events. She was a very positive person who was always encouraging everyone to do their very best.
Bonnie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family and friends will cling tightly to the wonderful memories she created for them during her ninety-four years. She was a remarkable example of a truly Christian lady.
Friends may call in the funeral home at their convenience.
Memorial donations to the First Christian Church may be made through the funeral home.
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