Marilyn Kay Reese

Marilyn was born August 8, 1944, in Lakewood, Ohio to Vernon and Anna Mary (Davis) Leffler. She was the oldest of four children, having one brother Robert (Bobby) and two sisters Kathryn (Kathy) and JoAnn. Marilyn was the typical older big sister following the rules, keeping her siblings in-line, and acting as their second mother.

Marilyn graduated from Pleasant View High School in 1962 to study education at Ohio University. One of her greatest thrills in college was studying abroad. After graduation, she landed her first job as a teacher in the Ohio public school system where she enjoyed teaching business skills.

On December 11, 1971, she married Robert C. Reese and went on to have two children, Jane Ellen, and Glenn Edward. She took a brief break from her career in 1980 when the military moved the family from Ohio to Florida and enjoyed raising her children. She was a very active volunteer in her children’s elementary school.

Marilyn returned to work in 1987 working for William (Bill) Durkin. Bill owns a family-owned tax firm, now called Durkin & Mason, CPAs. She absolutely loved her work and was a beloved cornerstone to their business. She worked to the very end having no plans to retire.

She was an incredibly talented crafter, quilter, painter, cross-stitcher, crocheter and seamstress. She had a passion for cooking, baking and was a ferocious reader. One of her biggest joys was to come to Kansas City to visit her grandchildren. She was affectionately referred to as ‘Gigi’ and was a staple at their activities, birthdays, and family vacations.

Marilyn will be remembered for her good laugh, her thoughtful nature, and her disciplined work ethic. She was well loved, had a very full life, and will be missed dearly.

Marilyn was predeceased by her mother, Anna Mary Leffler; sister, Kathryn Mickey; father, Vernon Leffler and husband, Robert C. Reese. She is survived by her son, Glenn Reese; daughter, Jane (and Chris) Reaves; her grandchildren, Rylie (11), Easton (10) and Everleigh (5); her brother, Bobby (Patty) Leffler; sister, Jo Ann (Gerald) Nichols; sister-in-law, Virginia (Joseph) Holleran; brother-in-law, Calvin Mickey, and nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you donate to go to one of the following organizations:

• World Literacy Foundation (https://worldliteracyfoundation.org/) – As an avid reader, she felt it was important to develop a love for reading at a young age. The World Literacy Foundation is on a mission to ensure that every child regardless of geographic location can acquire literacy skills and books to reach their full potential.

• Hope for Warriors (https://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/) – She was a product military spouse that volunteered at a local organization on behalf of her deceased husband. Your contribution to Hope for the Warriors provides direct support for service members, veterans, and military families. Because of you, we will always be there to support success at home in ways that strengthen SELF, FAMILY, and HOPE. Every contribution has a positive impact and affirms our shared conviction of honor and sacrifice and the challenges, pride, and joy of being a united, extended military family.

A visitation for Marilyn will be held Monday, March 14, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, 2323 West Brandon Blvd., Brandon, Florida 33511, followed by a memorial service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HillsboroMemorial.com for the Reese family.