Wanda E. Reese

Wanda E. Reese was born to loving parents, Frank E. and Roma Mae (Green) Shelton in Gallia County, Ohio on March 30, 1928. She was the second of five children. She grew up on the family farm, graduated from high school, and worked for a short while as a waitress in Oak Hill. She moved to Columbus, Ohio for employment where she met John W. Reese through a mutual friend. John offered to give her a ride when they both went home to visit their parents in Jackson and Gallia counties. They quickly developed a friendship and they soon realized they wanted to marry, especially after John was transferred by his employer to Canton, Ohio. On June 30, 1951 they were married and made their first home together in Canton. There she worked as a waitress at Dick’s Sandwich Shop in the Arcade Market where she enjoyed serving the customers who frequented this busy family owned restaurant. John was transferred to Portsmouth, Ohio and in November 1958, they welcomed their daughter Juanita into the world. Wanda moved once again, this time to Mansfield, Ohio when John’s employer transferred him there. John’s health was not good and together they made the decision to return home to southeast Ohio in 1972 to be near family. They lived in Jackson until John’s death in 1980. She cared for him through a very long illness and was heartbroken when he died. At her daughter’s urging, she began to spend much of her time in Mansfield where her daughter and son-on-law Jon lived. She eventually made her home with them and remained very active until her unexpected death on Sunday, May 19, 2019. She died peacefully in her sleep at home.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John W. Reese; her sister, Gladys Shelton McNeal; and her brother, Clarence Shelton. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Juanita Reese Kline and Jon W. Kline, Mansfield, Ohio; her brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Juanita Shelton, McArthur, Ohio; and her sister, Dorcas Shelton Kosek, Wood Dale, Illinois.

While we mourn our loss of her passing from this life with us, let us remember that she is now with her family on the other side of the veil. May the hymn, Beyond the Sunset, a favorite hymn in the Reese home, help us remember that she is “with our dear loved ones who’ve gone before.”

Beyond the Sunset

Beyond the sunset, O blissful morning,

When with our Savior heaven is begun.

Earth’s toiling ended, O glorious dawning;

Beyond the sunset, when day is done.

Beyond the sunset no clouds will gather,

No storms will threaten, no fears annoy;

O day of gladness, O day unending,

Beyond the sunset, eternal joy!

Beyond the sunset a hand will guide me

To God, the Father, whom I adore;

His glorious presence, His words of welcome,

Will be my portion on that fair shore.

Beyond the sunset, O glad reunion,

With our dear loved ones who’ve gone before;

In that fair homeland we’ll know no parting,

Beyond the sunset forever more!

(Written by Virgil P. Brock and Blanche Kerr Brock)