Janice Ruth Smith Reese, 84, of Lima died on Sept. 5, 2015, at Lima Memorial Hospital, after a brief illness.
She was born to Joseph W. and Ruth L. Thomas Smith on Sept. 3, 1931, in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. The family moved often as work was available and Janice attended many different schools in Ohio, returning to Vaughnsville, where she lettered in cheerleading 4 years, and earned a scholarship letter. She played clarinet in the Viking band, sang alto in Girls and Mixed Chorus, participated in her junior and senior class plays, played basketball and softball, and graduated Valedictorian of her class in 1949.
She married classmate Robert Russell Reese (deceased) Nov. 26, 1949 in Harrod, Rev. Willard Thomas officiating. She is the mother of Douglas Warren (Mary Ann Hoffman) Reese of Beavercreek, and Gary Robert (Shannon Boyle) Reese of Bluffton.
Her grandchildren are Amanda (Steve) Crockett, Chicago, Ill., with great-grandson Samuel Crockett, Abby Reese, Boulder, Colo., Stacy Reese, Chicago, Ill., and Andrew Reese (deceased).
Janice attended BGSU and graduated from Northwestern Business College, worked as a bookkeeper for Reese Soil Service 10 plus years, secretary at Sylvania/Phillips ECG, where she was promoted to manager of shipping and receiving before retiring after 25 years of service.
Over the years she was very actively involved in each of the three churches she attended; Vaughnsville UMC, Shalom Fellowship, and Cable Road Alliance Church.
She, along with her friend Martha Brock, taught Good News Club at Perry Elementary for 10 years. Upon her retirement from Phillips, she served 20 years on the board of Lima Aglow. She lived in Vaughnsville, Columbus, Harrod and Lima.
Janice is survived by her brother Thomas (Patsy) Smith of Pickerington, and Marilyn (Bill, deceased) Syfert now of Covington, Ky., with many nephews, nieces and greats.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, Cable Road Christian & Missionary Alliance, 2264 N. Cable Road, Lima.
Visitation is from 10 a.m. – noon, with the service starting immediately afterwards. Her ashes will be buried next to her grandson Andrew in the Ottawa River Cemetery after the meal following the the service.
In lieu of flowers donations may go to Lima Aglow International. Online condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com
