Mary Frances Reese

Born on October 22, 1924 in Long Beach, California, Mary grew up with her parents and brother, living in Long Beach until 1945, when Lester returned from World War II. By then Mary’s parents were divorced and her mother had married Lester’s father. Though technically step-brother and sister, it was love at first sight and Mary and Lester were married in August 1945. Their marriage would last for 58 years, ending only with Lester’s passing in 2003.

Lester was a bridge engineer for the California Department of Transportation. After living in numerous places in California, Mary settled in Buena Park in 1954. Along the way they had four children (Jim, John, Pat, and Mike), raising them within the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Mary was a loving mother who put her family first at every turn. She encouraged, and was actively involved, for all her children’s major life events: baptisms, confirmations, school programs, scouts, sporting events, graduations, weddings, and the births and subsequent birthdays of her eight grandchildren. She was a guiding light in the upbringing of her children through church and school, providing a life-long loving environment that remained with them to the day she passed.

Upon Lester’s retirement, he and Mary moved to Moreno Valley in 1989, immediately joining Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. Mary became involved in many aspects of SLVC life, including choir, bible study, and hosting the annual Christmas Tea at her home. Everyone was treated to Mary’s homemade Christmas cookies! Judging from their SVLC lifelong friends, church was perhaps the most satisfying aspect of their Moreno Valley days.

For nearly 99 years, Mary touched the lives of countless friends and family members with her generosity, compassion, sense of humor, and Christian heart. She is survived by her four children, eight grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren. While mourning our loss, we are uplifted with the sure knowledge that Mary is now enjoying the eternal and abundant peace of being with Our Lord.

A graveside service for Mary will be held Monday, October 23, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millerjones-moreno.com for the Reese family.