Caroline Louise Reis

Caroline Reis passed away on Nov. 11, 2026 at Plaza Nursing Home in Lubbock, Texas. Caroline was born in Cando, North Dakota on October 19, 1934 to parents William and Ethel Considine. Caroline moved to Bismarck, North Dakota in 1946 after her father, a decorated war hero and Lt. Colonel in the Army, returned home from WWII. While in Bismarck she attended St. Mary's School. In high school she was co-editor of the yearbook her senior year. The school nun was Caroline's piano teacher for 11 years. Music was always something she loved and carried on throughout her life.

When Caroline was 12 years old she noticed a handsome upperclassman waiting for her outside of school. He introduced himself by giving her his school photo. His name was Steve Reis and from that day forward they were committed to each other and married July 19, 1952, soon after her graduation. Steve was attending college in Grand Forks, North Dakota and together they enjoyed married life in a small basement apartment near campus. While there, they became parents to two daughters. Steve graduated and fulfilled his service obligation enlisting in the Air Force. The family lived in several states before being transferred to SAC Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska in 1959. Steve was a navigator reaching the rank of Captain and Caroline became active in the Officer's Women's Club. Along the way they became parents to two sons. She was very involved in school volunteer programs. Four children, PTA and being a room mother kept her busy. Caroline loved being a wife and mother. She leaned into her upbringing and ran an efficient home. Set mealtimes, laundry days, grocery shopping and more became very routine for her. Every holiday found the Reis home ornately decorated and celebrated. At a young age, Caroline learned to cook from her mother. She became well versed in not only good home cooking but had gourmet recipes that became requested favorites.

In 1965 Steve and a fellow officer decided to resign from the Air Force and moved their families to Lubbock, Texas where they opened an Ethan Allen furniture franchise store. The Concord House became a career for both Steve and Caroline, as she spent many hours each week helping wherever needed. During those years Caroline participated in several local organizations: School PTA, Hillcrest Women's Golf, Lakeridge Women's Golf, Women's West Texas, the Lubbock Symphony Guild, Lubbock Women's Club, Christ the King Altar Society and CTK Booster Club, Southwest Furniture Association, and Toastmasters. Whenever coming across one of her many friends, the first thing you hear is Caroline was the sweetest lady and a very hard worker. She was loved, appreciated, and admired by most. Obviously, her children loved and adored her, but they also knew her to be "feisty" at times. She was never one to keep her thoughts to herself, especially when it came to manners and bad behavior. Were they proud to have a spotless home to bring friends home too? Of course, that meant rules and respect for property needed to be followed. Caroline was the ultimate homemaker in her family’s mind. Her chocolate pie recipe has been duplicated by most family members!

Caroline had many interests. She loved to read anything and everything. She really enjoyed hosting showers, parties, BBQ's and family holidays. Caroline and Steve spent many weekends throughout the year playing in couples golf tournaments and Sunday nights found them competing in a local bowling league. They also belonged to a bridge group and had a regular Friday night group of longtime friends who gathered at favorite dining spots. Restaurant owners had plaques put up to "designate their tables." Caroline loved her coffee and the daily newspaper crossword puzzle. In her 40's Caroline learned to snow ski. Every winter the whole Reis family found themselves on the slopes where she kept up with the guys and was the last one down each day, she always wanted to take one last run!

In 1999 Caroline and Steve sold their Lakeridge home and retired in Tucson, AZ. They purchased another home on a golf course and became members of Saddlebrook Active Living Community. In Lubbock, she and Steve sang in the church choir and then in Tucson she joined the Saddlebrook Chorus. The chorus spent hours practicing for their many yearly performances entertaining various organizations. Caroline and Steve were weekly greeters at their church and served on the hospitality committee. Naturally her love of entertaining continued and so she became a member of the local gourmet club. Caroline spent time each week working at the Golden Goose collecting and distributing clothing for the poor.

In 2018 when it became too much to maintain a home and yard, Steve and Caroline moved back to Lubbock and spent the next four years at Raider Ranch Independent Living. They maintained friendships from years past and picked up with their Friday night get togethers and golf with fellow residents. The catholic church had always been a large part of their lives together. They joined Holy Spirit Catholic Church where other family members belonged.

In 2022, after a decline in health, they moved to Legacy Assisted Living. Caroline lost Steve a few months later after a tragic fall. That first year being without Steve was very difficult but she learned to smile again and her memories were readily shared with friends and family. October 19, 2024, was Caroline's 90th birthday. The entire Reis family came from all over the country to honor her with a weekend celebration. After the party was over, on the drive back to Legacy, she started to cry and said "How can I be this lucky and have such a wonderful family?" Mom, that's how we feel about you! How were we lucky enough to have you and dad as parents, grandparents, and great grandparents?

Caroline is survived by her four children: Cheryl (Greg) Nichols, Sandy (Larry) Wilkinson, Steve (Rhonda) Reis, Terry (Debbie) Reis; 7 grandchildren: Matt (Jeni) Nichols, Scott (Colleen) Nichols, Kristin (Kasey) Parks, Dr. Stephen (Julianne) Reis, Tate (Jordann) Reis, Jade Reis, and Jonathan (Dena) Reis; 13 great grandchildren: Colton Parks, Kylee Parks, Madeline Nichols, Harrison Nichols, Natalie Nichols, Margaret Nichols, Arianna Reis, Stephen Reis, Molly Reis, Madison Reis, Ryker Reis, Ridglea Reis, and Cora Reis.

Caroline was preceded in death by her husband Steve; her parents Bill and Ethel Considine; siblings: Leo Considine, Ginny Volk, Marcia Volger, and Caroline's beloved granddaughter Brooke (Bentley) McMorris.

The Reis family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff at Plaza, especially the staff for the Fourth Wing, who lovingly cared for Caroline her final years.

A private family service will be held in the near future at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lubbock, Texas. In lieu of flowers, prayers and shared memories will be greatly appreciated as the family navigates this difficult time.