Donna Reese
March 26, 2014
Donna Jane Reese, 70, passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at Iowa Methodist Hospital.
Donna was born October 11, 1943 in Des Moines to Ivan and Carolyn (Wade) Cohee. She graduated from Winterset High School in 1961 and married Bill Reese the following year. Together they had two children, Michelle and Jeff. Donna worked as a secretary and receptionist for various companies in the Des Moines area. She volunteered at LifeServe Blood Center. Donna enjoyed shopping, dining out and her dogs. She loved Des Moines and all of the local attractions. Above all, Donna loved her children and was proud to be their mother.
She is survived by her children, Michelle and Jeff Reese; the father of her children, Bill Reese; and a host of extended family and beloved friends. Donna was preceded in death by her parents; nephews, Kevin and Rick Reese; and her step-father, Wyman Sharp.
Donna will continue to give of herself in death just as she did in life as her family honored her wishes of being an organ donor. Per her request, her body has been cremated. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Indianola.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, 5452 NE 22nd Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50313 or Animal Lifeline of Iowa, 4521 SE 14th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50320.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Janet
04/02/2014
What a hugh void in our life with the loss of D.J. She was loved by many.
Chris Landphair
04/01/2014
Jeff / Michelle,
I am truly sorry for your loss. Donna was always considered
" Mom" to the lot of the guys at our construction company. She touched many and was always a joy to be around.
May you cherish the many memories that you have.
I am sorry that I was unable to be there today.
Thoughts and prayers to you both and your family.
Gayle King
03/31/2014
Michelle & Jeff,
I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. She was such a big part of my life growing up and I have so many memories of her. My thoughts and love are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Mahlon and Sue Edgington
03/30/2014
Dear Michelle, Jeff, Billy and Donna's family, You all know how blessed you were to have Donna in your lives, we too are happy she was a part of ours. To all who knew her remember her to be a loving lady with a real sense of humor and someone you genuinely liked to be around. Your loss is great! Donna will be missed by all whose lives she touched. May your memories of her warm your heart and soul and bring a smile to your face, she would like that. We are thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers. God Bless, your cousins, Mahlon and Sue Edgington
Sharon McKinzie Kingsbury
03/30/2014
To the Reese family,
I graduated high school with Donna and I can see by the testimonials written to you that Donna always stayed true to self. She was a fun and loving person in high school also. My thoughts are with all of your family.
Diane Brewer
03/30/2014
Dear Michelle & Jeff:
I am sending my thoughts of Donna. And I regret not to make a lunch date with your mother. She has been my friend, sister (aka SGI),and someone I could call when I needed to laugh till I cried.
She will always be here and her memory will take care of us all.
One parting smile, I went to my card box, and found birthday or holiday cards I could only send to Donna. Michelle, you may inherit some of these card memories. Please take time to remember what an awesome mom you have in her memories.. And don't forget to watch the clouds, she will let you know she is watching all of us. Michelle, let me know when you and I can have the "lunch date" in honor of your mom Stay true and always believe.
PS Did you know our birthdays were close. I was born on October 12. We were birthday buddies and her favorite holiday was Halloween. She said the clown costume let her be anyone she wanted be. She got me through the 1980s, 1990s, to an new century. Great times to know such a great lady. Thought some memories would give you a Donna smile...
Pylar Eaton
03/29/2014
words can not express the presence Donna had in my life. She was my adopted mother for many years. Things I thought only I would think funny...she would look at from a different angle and make them even funnier... in my favorite twisted sort of way. This is one of the hardest losses of life...a truly wonderful woman! Michelle and Jeff....My arms are so wide open to you during what I can't even imagine. I love you both, just as I do your mother. I am so sorry I will not be in town on Tuesday. I love you! and I am so very sorry.
Dee Grasty Thigpeb
03/29/2014
I am so sorry for your loss, Your Mother was a great friend and she will be missed. May she rest in peace and may you cherish all the lovely fun memories you have of her.
Mindy Palmer
03/29/2014
Jeff & Michelle - I was heart broken when I heard the news! Your mother held such a special place in my heart! She was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief!
Carolyn (Lynn) Ramsey
03/29/2014
Michelle and Jeff I am so sorry to hear about your mom. You are in my thoughts and prayers. She was a very special lady. She loved you both very much. I remember her as I grew up with you both. Never regret anything in life everything happens for a reason. She was a great mother and you both are very great children. Take comfort in she's in a better place.
Deb Marchesano
03/28/2014
On behalf of the Marchesano family & the SW 13th Street neighborhood, we are so sorry for the loss of your mother and a very dear neighbor.
Ken and Chris Eckert
03/28/2014
Michelle, Jeff, and Billy. You are all in our thoughts. I always thought so much of Donna and will miss her.
Sherry Mezzie and Lynda Watson
03/28/2014
Dear Michelle, Jeff and cousin Billy,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Both of us always thought so much of Donna. She was the center of so many of our memories when we were all young parents growing up together. We know she will be missed so much! We pray that the Lord will comfort you and give you strength over the days ahead. God bless you.
Randy & Sue Kimzey
03/27/2014
Dear Bill, Michelle & Jeff,
We are so very sorry to hear about our Aunt Donna Jane. We all loved her and will miss her. These times are so painful and difficult. We pray you will all find peace and comfort in the memories we all share and know that we love you all very much and are here for you. With Love, Randy & Sue, Danielle & Evan, Jennifer & Oleg
Carla Bell
03/27/2014
Jeff & Michelle I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to you all... Jeff I will NEVER forget the time your mom took us to the circus, and she spilled the pop on that poor gentlemen in front of us, to this dayI laugh and can not stop when I tell the story. Your mom was like a mom to me for so long, she will be missed... Love you both very much.