Theola B. Reese

Theola B. Reese was born on June 30, 1925, in Tyler, Minnesota, to Margret (Nelson) and Ole K. Larson. She grew up on a farm near Ruthton, Minnesota. She was Baptized and Confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in Ruthton.

Theola graduated from Ruthton High School Class of ’42 and Montevideo Teacher Training School in 1943. She taught country school from 1943 – 1955. When the Lake Wilson School District consolidated, she became the Secretary to the Superintendent of Lake Wilson Public School District 44/503.

She married Elmer H. Reese of Woodstock, Minnesota, at Peace Lutheran Church on August 25, 1946. They made their home in Lake Wilson where she was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and served as the organist/pianist from 1955-1972, a Sunday School Teacher, a member of the Education Committee and Ladies Aid. She enjoyed the Lake Wilson Study Club and volunteering as a Girl Scout Leader as well as serving on the Board of the Peacepipe Girl Scout Council.

In 1972, she and Elmer relocated to Eustis, Florida, where they joined Faith Lutheran Church and she became the Church School Secretary and served for 12 years. She was a member of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and the Handbell Choir.

Upon retirement in 1987, they moved to Creston, OH, where they became members of Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Seville, Ohio. Her church participation included playing for Sunday School and in the Handbell Choir as well as volunteering in the church office. She quilted with the Day Center group, enjoyed activities with the New Beginnings friends and the Valparaiso University Guild. Creating crafts for Craft Shows, sewing and spending time with family were special events for her.

In 2012, she moved to Westwood Place Independent Living for Seniors in Strongsville OH. She enjoyed all the social activities, including Spanish Class, Bible Study, Bingo, bus trips and meeting the new friends. She continued to send text messages on her iPhone and e-mails on her computer to family and friends at age 91.

Teaching in a one room country schoolhouse in various districts in the Lake Wilson area was her pride and joy. She loved sharing stories of the classes and events at the schools.

Left to honor and miss her are: one daughter, Judy and husband, Harold (JR) Grove, Strongsville OH; two grandchildren and their spouses, Pamela and Mike Sneath, Stafford, VA; Douglas and Janet Grove, Fernandina Beach, FL. Two great grandchildren, Abigail Sneath and Joshua Sneath. One brother-in-law, Berle Boese, Slayton MN, three sisters-in-law, Francis Reese, Colorado Springs CO and Florence Reese, LaJunta, CO, Deborah Reese, Altamonte Springs, Florida; twenty five nieces and nephews and friends in many locations.

To welcome her home are her husband, Elmer ; her parents; two brothers, Walter and Nelvin Larson, two sisters, Luella Larson Rupp and Hilda Larson, three brothers-in-law, Marvin, Wilfred and Maynard Reese, two sisters in law, Donna Reese Boese, and Dorothy Smith Larson; five nieces and nephews .

Theola passed away on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at Hospice of Medina County Residence Home, Medina OH at the age of 91 years.

Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2016, at Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 9282 Acme Road, Seville OH. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by the Service at 12 noon. A meal will be served in the Fellowship Hall after the Service.

Interment will be in Woodstock, MN. A second Celebration of Life Service will be held in Lake Wilson, MN at a future date.

Memorials may be sent to Jerusalem Lutheran Church or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 450 Carrie Ave., Lake Wilson, MN 56151. “This is the day the Lord has made.” Psalm 118: 24