Ann Montiel Reese

Ann Montiel Reese departed this life, and entered the welcoming arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 28, 2016 at the age of 69. During the last six months of her life, Ann’s long, difficult, and courageous battle with heart failure was a lesson in how to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Heb 12:1.

Ann was born, raised, and married in Mobile, but in 1977 moved with her husband and two children to Montgomery where she lived the remainder of her adult life.

To find a sweeter person on this earth would be an extraordinarily difficult task. Ann genuinely loved people -- and people loved her. She developed friendships quickly and with ease. Her smile and kind heart was infectious, bringing warmth and joy to every encounter. Among her many gifts was that of hospitality. She was a wonderful cook who took great pleasure in hosting holiday gatherings, birthday dinners, and countless other special occasions for family and friends. Ann dearly loved her family. As a deeply devoted wife, daughter, mother, and grandmother, she loved continually and unconditionally. Ever the encourager, relentlessly positive, sacrificially selfless -- this was Ann.

Ann is preceded in death by her father, Kenneth F. Montiel, Sr., and her brother, Kenneth F. Montiel, Jr. (Sheila). She is survived by her husband, Joe Reese; her mother, Margaret Montiel; her son, Joseph Reese, Jr. (Amy); her daughter, Suzanne Hunter (Jeff); her grandchildren, Joseph III and Davis Reese, and Maddy Grace, Reese, and Gavin Hunter; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other close relatives.

Ann and her family extend their appreciation to the many healthcare providers who applied their collective knowledge and skill over the last several months in an effort to heal her. A special debt of gratitude is owed to Sheila Ellis, Connie Flynn, Tammy (Debbie) Webb, and Mabis Jessie, whose loving care and companionship during Ann’s final days both exemplified the grace and love of Jesus and served as a fitting tribute to one who loved others so well during her 69 years on earth.

Those who knew and loved Ann will miss her so very much, but take comfort in knowing at the resurrection of the dead: “The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.” 1 Cor 15:42-44.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 2, from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Leak-Memory, 945 Lincoln Road, Montgomery, AL 36109. A service led by her Saint James United Methodist Church pastors, Allen Newton and Walter Albritton, will follow at Leak-Memory Chapel at 2:00 p.m. Pallbearers for the graveside service will be Joseph Reese, Jr., Joseph Reese III, Jeff Hunter, Waldo Reese, Danny Reese, and David Montiel. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Robinson and Robert Busby.

Online condolences may be made at www.leak-mc.com.