Obituary of Helen Louise Reese
Helen Louise Reese, 89, of Fairmont went home to be with the Lord on December 14, 2021, at Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 3, 1932, in Fairmont, WV, daughter of Harry B. and Meryl Costello Huffman. She was preceded in death by her husband, James “Casey” Reese, in 2001.
Mrs. Reese graduated from Fairmont Senior High School. She joined the US Army in 1950, was stationed in Yokohama, Japan, where she climbed Mt. Fujiyama on her 21st birthday, achieved the rank of Sergeant, and was given an honorable discharge in 1953. A member of the Eldora United Methodist Church, Helen participated in the United Methodist Women, sang in the choir, and was a devout Christian raising her family and offering a living example of faithfulness. Serving her community, she was an active 4-H leader for many years, is a 4-H All Star, and coached both a women’s and a 4-H softball team. Her interests included baking, crocheting, anything to do with horses, reading, enjoying the outdoors with her family, and she’ll long be remembered for her whistling!
Helen loved being involved with her family, grandchildren, and the numerous children she provided child care for in her home. She is survived by: her children-- Elaine (Rossie) Wilson, Sandy (Butch Simms) Elliott, Tammy (Kevin) Amos, and Janet (Tom) Jacobs, all of Fairmont; seven grandchildren--Trey, Heidi, Jayden, and Emma Wilson, Zac Elliott, Daniel and Erica Amos; one great grandchild--Kalynn Amos; step-grandchildren—Joe (Angie) Simms, Rebecca (Tim) Gordon, and Jennifer (Justin) Minear; step-great grandchildren—Finley and Caylum Simms, Austin and Tristan Sine, and Lilly Gordon; her sister, Harriet Toothman, sister-in-law, Jonnie Huffman, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces/nephews, and many friends and her church family.
In addition to her husband and parents, Helen was preceded in death by her five brothers and three sisters-in-law: June, Rob and Doris, David and Betty, Eugene, Lonnie and Rayanna Huffman.
The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, technicians and staff at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center for the many years of care and service they provided; it was common to be in the facility for an appointment and have staff greet Mom with “Hey, Miss Helen, how are you doing?” even in the hallways from staff she wasn’t meeting that day. Thank you also to Care Partners Home Health physical therapists who provided in home care. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory/honor may be made to one of the many Veterans charities available on line.
The arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford Funeral Home, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, WV. Friends and family may visit on Friday, December 17, 2021 from 9AM until 1PM in the Eldora United Methodist Church, 23 Sapps Run Road, Fairmont, WV 26554. The funeral will be held in the church at 1PM with the Rev. Dr. Michael Richards officiating. Interment will follow at the Clermont Cemetery in Fairmont with full military honors provided by the Marion County Veterans Council. Online condolences may be made to www.fordfuneralhomes.com.
