Mary Reese Obituary

Mary Margaret Reese, age 72, of Herrin, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2025 while doing what she loved; fishing and spending time with her husband on Kentucky Lake.
She was born Saturday, May 9, 1953 in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, a daughter of James Raymond and Delores A. (Ledding) Plemel. She married the love of her life, Thomas Daniel Reese on January 6, 2001 in De Soto.
Mary's life was filled with love for her family and church. As an active member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in De Soto, the congregation was like family to her, providing a sense of belonging and support. She cherished her faith and found joy in serving others.
Mary retired from Old National Bank in De Soto, where she built a career filled with dedication and kindness. Her passions went beyond her work. She cherished her time gardening, attending church, fishing, and turkey hunting. But most of all, she adored spending time with her grandchildren, spoiling them with love and affection. Her family was her greatest joy, and she was the pillar of love and support. As a wonderful mother, grandmother, and wife, Mary touched the lives of everyone she met. Her love, kindness, and generosity inspired countless individuals, and her legacy will live on through the memories she created. Her love for her grandbabies, her family, and her church congregation knew no bounds, and they were truly the center of her universe. Mary will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband- Thomas Daniel Reese of Herrin; daughter- Amanda (Justin) Bird of Energy; son- Conor (Stacey) Neil of Marion; father-in-law- Terry Reese of Du Quoin; stepchildren- Daniel Reese of Morristown, Tennessee, Cheryl Reese of Morristown, Tennessee, and Terri (Aldon) Cobb of Morristown, Tennessee; six grandchildren- Kayla Reese, Bryson Reese, Sadie Cobb, Zylah Cobb, Olivia Neil, and Nikko Neil; one great grandson- Zavier Reese; three sisters- Kathy (Tim) Williams of Eagle Rock, Missouri, Beth (Tom) Bourque of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Ellen Jacobson of Las Vegas, Nevada; three brothers- Matt, Steve, and Tony Plemel of Minneapolis, Minnesota; brother-in-law- Terry (Karen) Reese of Murphysboro; sister-in-law- Kimberly (Brandon) Buser of Vergennes; several nieces and nephews; and her extended family of the entire congregation of the Christ the King Lutheran Church.
She is preceded in death by parents, brother- Mike Plemel, grandson- Zylin Reese, and sister-in-law- April Needham.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a time of visitation from 10:00am until 11:00am on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, located at 67 Crane Road in De Soto. Memorial services will follow at 11:00am with Pastor Preston Foster officiating. A meal will be provided after the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Christ the King Lutheran Church; 67 Crane Road; De Soto, IL 62924.
Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin is honored to serve the family. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.johnsonhughes.com or call 618-942-3102 for more information.
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