Gladys Reese

Gladys Reese, age 94, of Axtell, passed away early Tuesday afternoon, November 5, 2019 at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Waco. Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 15, 2019 at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Gerald, with Rev. Jeff Richter officiating. Interment will be held at Waco Memorial Park on a later date. Gladys was born June 25, 1925 in Elm Mott, the daughter of Theo and Amanda (Kroll) Steinkamp. She was a 1942 graduate of Kopperl High School prior to attending 4-C Business College in Waco. On November 23, 1945 she was united in marriage to William Reese in Meridian. William preceded her in death on February 11, 1993. Gladys was a lifelong and faithful member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Gerald where she had served as treasurer of the Women's Guild, secretary of the Church Council and Sunday School Superintendent. She worked for McCrory's Department Store, Berhen's Drug and was the office manager for Prudential Life Insurance Company for over 25 years before retiring in 1984. Gladys enjoyed gardening and traveling, especially to Colorado. She said she "sincerely loved spending time with her family, especially her son, who was always there for me". Gladys is also preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Betty Jean Reese; and sisters, Aline Harville and Doris Fowler and husband John. Survivors include her son, Thomas Reese and wife Bo of Weatherford; granddaughter, Jessica Barnes and fianc, Anthony Balderas of Ocala, FL; a great grandson, Xander Jude Balderas; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Gerald or donate a gift to the church, for use in the fellowship hall.