Mary Louise Reese

At 12pm on Friday, November 20th, 2020, Mary Louise (Pragar) Reese passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord at her home in Moberly, Missouri, with her devoted daughter, Mary Mills, by her side.  Mary Louise was born on Christmas Day 1927 in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Charles & Sophia (Heitkamp) Pragar. 

As an only child, Mary enjoyed her childhood days on the family farm with her pets - Scottie dogs, small farm animals and even a mink.  As a young girl, Mary loved drama and music.  She played the piano, violin and oboe.  At the age of 15, she met the love of her life, Roy Reese, and the two were married shortly before her 18th birthday in December of 1945.  They served the Lord in pastoral work during their 52 years  together until Roy’s death.  Mary was especially fond of children’s ministry and many remember her Bible stories.  Their journey together took them from their home state of Ohio to Indiana, Kentucky, Georgia and Colorado in pursuit of Roy’s education.  Over the course of their ministry they served in the states of Ohio, Indiana, Nebraska, Florida, the province of Saskatchewan, New York, Missouri, Michigan, North Dakota and finally Montana.  Mary’s first love was for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, followed by her love for all four generations of her family.    She kept every card, drawing, art project and small gift her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren gave her.  She was a very warm, encouraging person and her wisdom and loving presence will be missed by all who were privileged to know her.  Her family and loved ones will miss her prayers. 

Mary is survived by her four children and their spouses, Roy C. & Margaret Reese of Toulouse, France, Stanley & Mary (Reese) Mills of Moberly, Missouri, John & Doris Reese of Great Falls, Montana, David & Tammy Reese of Williston, North Dakota, eleven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles & Sophia Pragar and her husband, Roy Reese.  
Private services honoring Mary Louise’s life will be held.    Committal prayer and burial will be in the Miamitown Cemetery, Miamitown, Ohio.