of Conway, AR
April 24, 1931 - July 7, 2024
Ruth Lois Reese, age 93, died in Conway on July 7, 2024. She was born on April 24, 1931 in St. Louis, Missouri to Arthur and Evelyn (Prante) Wibracht. She graduated from Lutheran High School in St. Louis in 1949 and worked at KFUO radio station, located at Concordia Seminary in Clayton, Missouri. It was there that she met her husband of 46 years, the Reverend Herman Reese. They married in 1953 and lived in several states as Herman served Lutheran congregations in Alton, Illinois; Twin Lakes and Ada, Minnesota; Port Charlotte, Florida; Conway, Stuttgart and Crossett, Arkansas and Clear Lake and Rensselaer, Indiana. After Herman retired from the ministry, the couple returned to Conway in 1992. Ruth's life vocation was serving as a pastor's wife and mother of five children.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Herman; her brother, Harold Wibracht, and her daughter, Linda Horton. She is survived by sons, David Reese (Nancy) of Conway, Daniel Reese (Beverly) of Lexington, Kentucky, Nathan Reese (Krissy) of Troy, Illinois; daughter, Debbie Barnes (Ken) of Conway and twelve grandchildren, Nicole Reese, Elizabeth Reese, Anna Reese, Haley Reese, Emma Reese, Taylor Staffey, Alex Reese, Andrew Reese, Christina Cooley, Nick Barnes, Matt Kelley and Amanda Kelley. Amanda was Ruth's companion and best friend and gave loving care in her last years.
Ruth was a faithful member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Conway.
Visitation will take place at St. Matthew at 1pm Saturday, July 13th with funeral service beginning at 2pm under the direction of the Reverend Kory Janneke. Committal will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery on Petit Jean Mountain. Arrangements are made through Roller-McNutt Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 900 Farris Road, Conway, 72034.
The family expresses its thanks to the staffs of Superior Health and Rehab and Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care.
Sign Guestbook
8 Condolence(s)
Ronald D Rossi
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
i was young when the Reese's moved to Conway and remembered going to church in that rental house while the church was under construction. The best memories was the get to gethers we had when we lived on the hill.i also enjoyed the times at Shackie Pizza in Little Rock on Satarday's
Gary & Sherri Cox
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
We are praying for your family during this time of loss and grief. Mrs. Reese was a very sweet and kind lady, and a wonderful witness of Christ. May the Lord extend an extra measure of grace, comfort, and hope to each member of her family in the ccming days and weeks.
Janet Coble
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
My family lived in Conway when Ruth and Herman came to Conway to start the first Lutheran church. I have so many wonderful memories with them and David, Debbie, Linda and Danny. Ruth was always smiling. I got to visit with her a couple of years ago and we laughed talking about the memories.
Rest in peace sweet lady.
Hugs and prayers to the family.
Michelle Robinson
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
I’m very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.
David and Debbie Allen
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
We are both so sorry to hear of her passing. She was always so pleasant and thoughtful - she will be missed. We will have her and all of her family in our prayers.
David and Roberta Graham
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
She was an amazing woman!
Dennis Kutzner
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
She was always the top rung of the ladder but held the bottom firm for all others to climb higher.
Cletis and Sharon Freeman
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
So sorry for the loss of a wonderful woman. She will definitely be missed Lots of Love and prayers for her amazing family