OSKALOOSA —
Betty P. Reese, 88, of Oskaloosa, died Friday, Sept. 21, 2012, at the Oskaloosa Care Center in Oskaloosa.
She was born Nov. 25, 1923, in the Pleasant Grove Township of Mahaska County, the daughter of Edgar and Ethel Farmer Jefferson. When Betty was four years old the family moved to Union Mills. She attended McMaines Country School at Union Mills and then New Sharon High School. Early on Betty worked at Monarch Laundry and did laundry and ironing for people in the area. On June 23, 1945, she was united in marriage to Thomas Reese at Camp Hood, Texas; he died on May 5, 2009. They farmed together until 1973 when they moved into town; Betty was also a homemaker and mother. She was a member of the First Assembly of God Church for over 72 years, where she played the guitar and sang. She also sang and played in duet with Edith Silvers on KBIZ in Ottumwa. She taught Sunday School at the Wright Church. Betty served as the secretary for the Lady's Missions Group and made quilts for the missions. Betty attended Lady's Bible Hour at 1st Christian Reformed Church where she met her best friend Ruth Groenenboom. She enjoyed doing embroidery work. Betty's life was defined by her love for God and her service to others.
Betty is survived by her daughter Peggy Spencer of Oskaloosa; two granddaughters: Lori (and Don) Simons and Lisa (and Darren) Eden; two great grandsons, Noah and Andy Eden; her sister, Marilyn (and Carroll) Hittle of Oskaloosa; 4 nieces: Deb Carlson, Becky Grant, Linda Bay and Sandy Fisher; and very close friends, Ruth and Ken Groenenboom of Oskaloosa.In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, two sons, Dana and Larry Reese; a sister, Dorothy Jefferson; and a sister and brother in law: Marie and Clyde Lantz.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Sept. 26, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel with Reverend Michael Dotson officiating. Burial will be in the White Oak Cemetery east of Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Tuesday morning after 10 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 6-8 Tuesday evening to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to the Assembly of God Church.
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September 26, 2012
