Janice Reese Obituary

Janice Cleone (Spatz) Reese, a Colorado Springs area resident since 1959, died unexpectedly, Saturday, July 7, 2007 at Swedish Medical Center of complications following a stroke prevention surgery. Precious Mom and Nanny, we have learned so much from your loving example. How fortunate we are to have had you in our lives. You were a remarkable woman, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend and will be desperately missed. You have made a timeless and indelible mark on our lives. We will love you always. Now, we must learn to let go of what we cannot live without… Janice was born in Cheyenne, WY on December 30, 1932, to Curtis and Gladys (Gorman) Spatz. From early on, she had a genuine love of people and a passion for bringing joy to others. She enjoyed horseback riding and as fate would have it, while on a picnic, her horse escaped, eventually being captured by the one who would also capture her heart. After finishing high school she married this handsome young man, George H. Reese, on June 16, 1951. For the next 53 years, she brought companionship, beauty and excitement to his life and that of their beloved family. They first settled in Cheyenne, and then moved to Wilkes Barre, PA to help with his family's business. In 1959, they moved to Colorado Springs and then in 1995, to a small ranch in Palmer Lake. She was the "quiet strength" behind several successful family businesses. A strong and purposeful faith guided all Janice did as she prayed for and adored her family. She and George raised five children, the last two coming later in life, ten years after the first three. She committed herself to them; teaching, laughing, supporting, encouraging, and loving them through the many years. They were pure joy to her, and as they brought new members into the family, she brought those into her heart with unconditional love and acceptance. To baby sit her grandchildren was to invite them into her spectacular world of gardening, painting, dressing up, tea parties, cooking, and numerous other fun activities. After George's death in 2005, she remained devoted to him and to his memory.Always loving to create and having an undeniable eye for design, Janice filled her life and her surroundings with art; magically transforming flower beds, homes and meals into masterpieces of color, beauty and taste. She was beautifully skilled in her interpretation and expression of the world that she loved, remaining ever humble and desirous of learning more. She was accomplished in oils, acrylics, watercolor and collage, winning numerous awards for her talent at art shows throughout Colorado. She devoted many hours to her passion, and found great personal joy in sharing it with others. The Palmer Lake Art Group and Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts benefited from her many hours of service and her exuberant personality. Janice thrived on helping others. She loved to laugh, and shared wonderful times with friends in the Scarlet O'Hatters, Tri-Lakes Women's Club, Tri-Lakes Cruisers, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Al Kaly Shriners/Mule Train, Clowning Club and many other civic organizations. Janice is survived by her children: Curtis Reese of Palmer Lake, Ronald (Kim) Reese of Buena Vista, Brenda (Tony) Woodward of Monument, Laura (Mike) Watt of Monument, and Nancy (Ty) Rinaldo of Larkspur; grandchildren Carrie (Gary) Hobbs, Brandon (Kelly) Reese, Tyler and Melissa Woodward, Darby and Reese Watt, Tanner and Tucker Rinaldo; and great grand children Averly Hobbs and Dylan McVerry-Reese. Her parents, her husband, and her brother, Robert Spatz preceded her in death. A memorial and celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, July 15, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Monument Community Presbyterian Church, 2328 3rd Street, Monument, CO. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to The Palmer Lake Art Group Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 543, Palmer Lake, CO 80133 or Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts, P.O. Box 1154, Palmer Lake, CO 80133. Please view Janice's Everlasting Memorial at www.mem.com. There is a guest book at this sight for you to share your memories with our family.