Barbara Ann Reese, 86, of Exeter Township, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, September 15, 2025. Born in Reading, PA, on February 15, 1939, she was a cherished daughter to the late Franklin Wallace Potteiger and Ruth Theresa (Schappell) Potteiger. In addition to her parents, she now rejoices in heaven alongside her husband, Charles J. Reese Sr., her brother Kennard Franklin Potteiger Sr., and her sister Shirley Ruth Clouser.
Barbara was a woman of remarkable drive and heart. She started selling Tupperware, quickly became a national top performer and manager, and later enjoyed a fulfilling career in banking with Fulton Bank, from which she retired gracefully.
Her faith was the center of her life. A devoted and active member of Hopewell Church in Elverson, Barbara was involved in “Grow Group,” the widows’ church group, and JOY (Just Older Youth). Her home was the unofficial Bible study headquarters each month, where everyone was welcomed with open arms, warm smiles, and probably enough food and snacks to feed a small army. She also was a supporter of the Keswick Christian Retreat in Whiting, NJ, and looked forward every year to the ladies’ weekend with her friends.
Barbara had passions as big as her heart. She cheered for Penn State football, was a fan of Elvis Presley, and had a lifelong passion for the ocean, lighthouses, and all things nautical. Oh, the ocean, how she loved it. Barbara could sit for hours watching and listening to the waves. She amassed quite the collection of maritime memorabilia over the years, so much that her family is still trying to figure out what to do with it all !
But above all, she absolutely loved her family and friends with unwavering devotion, often doing far more than anyone expected and sometimes wishing her hands could keep up with her generous and kind spirit. She will be greatly missed by all blessed enough to have known her. The world feels a little dimmer without her light, but when you spot a lighthouse, remember Barbara because "lighthouses lighten the mood" just like she did.
Barbara’s spirit will live on through her two sons, Charles J. Reese Jr. and his wife Teresa, and Christopher J. Reese and his wife Mimi Vicente; her three grandchildren, Jessica, Kailey and her fiancé Kyle, and Zachary; her lifelong friends, Rochelle Getz and Carmen Otte; her grand pup, Chase; and her beloved cat, Buddy.
A viewing for Barbara will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Auman's Inc., 390 W. Neversink Rd., Reading, PA 19606. A funeral service will promptly commence in the funeral home at 11:30 AM, with Pastor Rick Taylor officiating. Graveside committal will immediately follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park, Reiffton.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Barbara's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 and/or The Animal Rescue League of Berks County, 58 Kennel Rd., Birdsboro, PA 19508
