Rita Reeves

Rita Belle Lee Reeves was called home to Christ on February 26, 2012. She was born September 17, 1918 in Loraine, Texas to Charles Lafayette and Audna Gill Lee. Rita attended school in Loraine and moved to Odessa around 1945.

In her early days, Rita was quite the pool shark and not many people, men or women, could beat her. Rita worked out of her home ironing and sewing for the public. Some say she would be ironing from dusk until dawn to put food on the table. She ironed until the young age of 92. Rita loved to sew and piece together quilt tops. She made everything from wedding dresses to kids clothing and was still making quilt tops until a few months before she passed.

Rita never complained about anything and had a strong faith in God. She read the bible daily and prayed every night for each family member and friend by name. Her great-granddaughter said she should’ve been a pastor because she prayed so loud. Rita was a member of Friendship Baptist Church until the early 1990’s. She then worshipped at various churches in Odessa and in her final days worshipped with First Baptist Church through their televised service.

Rita was an avid football fan and loved her Dallas Cowboys. Her family knew if they visited on a Sunday, they better leave before the game because she wanted no distractions. She loved to read the paper from front to back and then work the puzzles to keep her mind sharp.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, son, Mack Reeves, daughter, Audrey Wilkerson, great-granddaughter, Angie Wilkerson, brothers, Joe Lee, Charles “Chock” Lee, Doyce “Ace” Lee, sisters, Melba Ackerman, Thelda Geron and Christine Pyle.

Survivors include sister, Joyce Baker, daughters Jeannie Moses and Glenda Bishop, husband Delbert, son, Charles Reeves, grandchildren, Mason Daniels, wife Amy, Timmy Daniels, wife Mary, Harvey Daniels, wife Michelle, Larry Dale Wilkerson, Terry Wilkerson, wife Lori, Mitchell Wilkerson, wife Tamara, Robin Wilkerson, Janis Blount, husband Mike, Bobby Wilkerson, Joel Bishop, wife Kelly, Jerry Bishop, wife Shannon, Andrea Maggio, John Reeves, 29 great grandchildren and 20 great great grandchildren.

Services are scheduled at 2 pm Tuesday at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home, Reverend Jimmy Braswell officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Pall bearers are Brandon Wilkerson, Tye Wilkerson, Mark Daniels, Mike Blount, James Bishop and Alex Urquidez.

A heartfelt thank you is expressed by the family to Donna Baker, Shelly Mallard, Cindy Roach, Barbara Norris, Jerry Strambler and Rev Jimmy Braswell, all of Home Hospice.

Rita was mother, grandma and grandma-grandma to more than just her family. Though she will be missed, her spirit with remain with us always.

Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.