Lavena Reese

Lavena M. Reese, 83, passed away on Friday August 8, 2025, at home with her family by her side.

Lavena was born in Oakley, IL on January 24, 1942 the daughter of Robert and Jessie (Warner) Bowrey. After high school she married James Reese at St. Louis Catholic Church in Nokomis on September 22, 1962. She was an administrator for the superintendent of Nokomis School District for over 33 years. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority in Nokomis. She enjoyed sewing, crafting and love baking. Her biggest priority, however, was her grand children and great-grand children.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Lynette (Tom) Hickson, Divernon; four grandchildren, Tony (Sarah) Castellanos, Witt, Ashley (Damen) Reese, Fairview Heights, Chelsey Morrison, Nokomis, Brayden Hickson, Divernon; four great-grandchildren, Liam, Layne, Roland, and Ripley; a brother, Rick (Kathy) Bowrey; a sister, Paula Engelhart; her special caregiver, Nichole Nurdin and her nieces and nephews who she loved all so dearly.

Lavena was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Ed Reese; and a brother, Edward Bowrey.

A visitation will be held Tuesday August 12, 2025 from 10 am until 12pm at Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis. A funeral service will follow at Noon at the funeral home with Fr. Michael Meinhart officiating.

Per her wishes cremation rites will be accorded.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donation Network. Online condolences can be made at stiehldawsonfh.com

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