Patricia Luann Reese

Luann passed peacefully March 16, 2021 in hospice care at John Knox Village. She was born March 17, 1928 in Independence, MO to James Luther and Anna Robinson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Reese; brother, James Robinson; sister, Shirley and brother-in-law Wayne Latare. She is survived by her sons, Tim (Patty) Heil, Brian (Toni) Reese, Kevin (Cindy) Heil and daughter Terry (Roger) Miller. She also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Luann lived most of her life in the Raytown area. As a descendant of some of Raytown's earliest pioneers, she attended Raytown schools graduating in 1946. She went on to earn an English degree from William Jewel College in 1950. She taught English at Raytown Junior High while earning her Real Estate License. She held this long enough to achieve her goal of a million dollars in sales during the late 1960's.

Travel was always an exciting part of her life and she was able to experience trips to Europe and China, as well as family vacations to Maui, Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons National Parks. For over 20 years, she made the annual pilgrimage to Colorado with her sister and closest friends. Deeply spiritual, her time in the mountains inspired and restored her soul. She loved hiking, the incredible views, the mountain streams and waterfalls, and of course the elk, moose and occasional bear sightings that the Rocky Mountain National Park always provided. At the end of each day, it was a relaxing glass of wine (or two) that brought each day's adventure to a close.

Luann had a passion for gardening and took a special pride in her many roses and flowers. She loved the outdoors, especially the many varieties of birds that flocked to her feeders. It seems she never went long without having a dog as her close companion and cherished her pets throughout her years.

Always a strong supporter of the arts and her local community, she loved ballet, jazz music and the theater. She was a member of several local churches during her life. She truly found peace and serenity worshipping in the beauty of the Unity Village Chapel and grounds.

Luann will be fondly remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and aunt who was always positive, supportive and generous. She was a natural, charming hostess, whose ready smile and welcoming nature made her a friend to all and her home a joyful gathering place. Being a wonderful cook as well, her home was filled with the smell of good, hearty food and mealtime was always a celebration, never without dessert.

A celebration of life will take place at a future date. A memorial contribution can be made to the Raytown Historical Society, REAP (Raytown Emergency Assistance Program), Rice-Tremonti House or College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO.