Sarah Kathryn "Kitty" Reece

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 21, 2012, at First Central Presbyterian Church, 400 Orange Street, Abilene. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. The family will receive friends at a visitation 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Kitty was born in Barstow, Texas on May 12, 1934 to the late Prentice Andrew Hayes and Bessie Augusta Archie Hayes. After graduating from Barstow High in 1951, she married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Jesse Reece, on April 11, 1952. Jesse and Kitty celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in April of this year with all of their children and grandchildren in attendance.

Kitty was a devoted wife and homemaker all of her life and worked as a teacher aide for 28 years in the Abilene Independent School District. She loved working with children and helping them succeed. Kitty was a wonderful cook and loved hosting family gatherings including birthdays, holidays, and Sunday lunches. Kitty adored her family and it meant everything to her. She especially loved hearing about the activities of her children and grandchildren and was in attendance for these activities as much as possible.

Kitty was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers; and five sisters. She is survived by her husband, Jesse Reece of Abilene; children, Andy Reece and wife, Teri, of Abilene, Greg Reece and wife, Tammie, of Euless, and Julie Sartor and husband, David, of Abilene. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Whitney Welch and husband, Clay, of Dallas, Brynn Reece and Makenzie Reece of Abilene, Susana Arpe and husband, Chad, of Pearland, Brett Reece and Chessie Reece of Euless, Zach Sartor of Abilene; great-grandchildren, Sullivan Arpe and Sawyer Arpe of Pearland; brother, Richard Hayes of Barstow; and many nieces and nephews.

Kitty was loved by many and a blessing to all who knew her. She was a wonderful wife, mother, granny, and friend; while she will be missed, the lasting legacy of her love will live in the hearts of all who knew her.

Memorial donations can be made to: Abilene Education Foundation, P.O. Box 1999, Abilene, Texas 79604 or First Central Presbyterian Church, 400 Orange, Abilene, Texas 79601.

You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliotthamilfuneralhome.com.