Nan Carol Reeves of Hermiston passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Sept. 26, 2018 in Hermiston at the age of 93.
She was born on Oct. 13, 1924 in Kreole, Miss. to Walter Leon and Ola Mae (Peggy) Dees.
Nan was raised in Mobile and Grand Bay, Ala. After graduating from Grand Bay High School she attended University Business School in Mobile, Alabama. Her first job was at the Mobile Press Register. During her senior year of high school, World War II was declared. Soon the War Price and Ration Board was formed, and Nan was one of the first people hired to work there.
In 1943, Fred Reeves’ Army unit arrived in Pecan, Miss. His outfit was invited to a local dance in Grand Bay. One of his buddies dared him to ask Nan to dance, and the rest is history. After a short courtship they were married on July 23, 1943 in Moss Point, Miss. Fred was honorably discharged in 1945 and they moved to his hometown, Hermiston. Nan owned and operated a business for 17 years.
She loved playing cards and belonged to several pinochle and bridge groups, spanning her entire adult life. Nan was a 70-year member of the First United Methodist Church. She was active in the Women’s Group as well as teaching both children and adult Sunday School classes for many years. Nan was full of energy, and very well organized and efficient. This allowed her to get a lot done in short order, which earned her the nickname “Little General.”
After retirement, Nan and Fred enjoyed many years RVing and fishing with friends. There was always a card game going with fun times enjoyed together. Fred passed away in 2007 after 63 happy and blessed years of marriage. Nan continued to live in their home and kept an immaculate yard. She enjoyed gardening and took great pride and joy in her beautiful roses and other flowers.
She was a natural caregiver. For many years she drove her older or disabled friends to social events and appointments.
In 2011, Nan moved to Sun Terrace. She had many friends there and loved reaching out and helping those less fortunate than she. She was very thankful for the friendships she had there with both the residents and the staff. She was a positive guiding force in the lives of her entire family. She had the opportunity in the days before her passing to witness to all “to be good kind citizens and to follow Jesus,” who she loved, admired, followed and depended on. Her beautiful Christian spirit shined for all to see. She will be greatly missed, but we as a family have peace knowing that she is with her Lord.
She is survived by her children, Fred (Linda) Reeves, Barry (Joan) Reeves, Fran Fife, and Cindy (Roger) Goller; eight grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren. Nan’s family meant everything to her. Many wonderful holidays and gatherings happened at Nana’s house.
Nan was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; her parents; brothers, Tom, Max and Bill Dees; and son-in-law, Brent Fife.
A celebration of Nan’s life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 191 E. Gladys Ave., Hermiston.
Donations may be made in Nan’s memory to the First United Methodist Church, or Vange John Memorial Hospice Education Fund at 645 W. Orchard Ave., Suite 300, Hermiston, Ore., 97838.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
