Tonda Jean Reece

Tonda Jean (Bower) Reece, 63, born August 5, 1960, passed peacefully with her family by her side on December 15, 2023. She was born in Hamilton, Ohio to Leland and Jean Bower. A lover of her children, grandchildren, and animals, Tonda enjoyed spending most of her life outdoors. Her favorite childhood hobby was riding her horse. She loved it so much that she devoted much of her life on horseback. She married her loving husband, Ronald Reece, in 1988. They deeply cherished each other for 35 years. You rarely saw one without the other. Tonda and Ron spent many years traveling to their Renfro Valley farm where they enjoyed their horses, farm, friends and family. Tonda drove a school bus for nearly 30 years. When asked what her dream job would have been, she said she really enjoyed her job driving a school bus. She made special bonds with many of her students and families. When Tonda wasn’t outside with her animals or driving a bus, you could guarantee to find her watching Gunsmoke, Andy Griffith, or The Beverly Hillbillies. She loved it most when she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Tonda will be deeply missed by all who knew her, especially her dog, Elsa. She is survived by her two children: Jeremy Dean (Kelli) of Pace, Florida and Teri Lynn Johnson (Daniel) of Hamilton, Ohio; four stepsons: Michael Reece of Sierra Vista, Arizona, Ronald L. Reece Jr. (Raye Jean) of Hamilton, Ohio, Roger L. Reece (Susan Vance) of Hamilton, Ohio, and Randy O. Reece (Amie Leigh) of Golden, Colorado. She is also survived by fourteen grandchildren: Zane and Ty Morris, Dean Johnson, Jordan, Morgan, Levi, and Riley Dean, Dana Cook, Katie Warrell, Adam, Elaine, Lydia, Jessica, and Eli Reece. She also leaves behind one great-grandchild: Scotty Warrell. Tonda is survived by her three brothers: Michael Bower (Gloria), Richard Bower (Peggy), and Randy Bower (Nancy). She also leaves behind her nieces and nephews: Crystal Huff (Bob), who has been a faithful caregiver and by her side throughout her 2 year battle with cancer, Michelle Bower, Mandy Chapman (Wes), Rusty Bower (Shauna), Lori Miller (Matt), Andrew Donathan (Kelly), Drew Bower (Mindy), Amber Hensley (Kevin), Ryan Bower (Paxtyn). Tonda leaves behind numerous, precious great-nieces and great-nephews she adored tremendously. In addition to her loving family, Tonda leaves behind many special friends whom she held dear to her heart, too many to be mentioned. As all of these friends played a special role in her life, she relied on her #1 chef and confidant, Keri Miller, who provided her with the best home cooked meals for the last two years of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leland and Jean Bower; her special sister, Linda Jones; and her husband, Ron Reece.

The family wishes to thank the Kettering Health Hamilton Cancer Center staff for providing the utmost personalized, compassionate care that went above and beyond. A very heartfelt thank you to the one and only Dr. Sendilnathan who gave her the strength and motivation to fight the incredible fight she fought. Visitation will be held at Webb Noonan Kidd Funeral Home, 240 Ross Avenue, Hamilton, Ohio on Friday, December 22, 2023 from 11:00am until 12:30pm followed by the Funeral Service at 12:30pm with Pastor Robert Huff officiating. There will be a Private Burial Ceremony at Reily Cemetery following the service for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made online to Animal Adoption Foundation (www.aafpets.org) or mailed to 2480 Ross Millville Road, Hamilton, Ohio 45013.