Cenotaph here
Mary Kay was the second child of four born to Dr. Woodtli Grandin and Mary Grandin in Oakwood, OH. She grew up, a child of the 50's and listened to Elvis. She met her high school sweetheart, John Reese, and married him on October 3, 1964.
They had three children; Chris, Mike, and Jamie. They were married for nearly 49 years and had five grandchildren; Brandon, Anna, Connor, Molly, & Wyatt.
She lived in a fixer-upper barn-turned-house for over thirty years and sat at the end of the kitchen table ready to greet all those that came to visit. She was called, "Mama Kay" by many and always doled out advise whether you wanted it or not.
Her second home was Paradise, an island in Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada. She loved and fought for that "Rock" all of her life. She made Eggs-Over-Easy for her husband and three boys in exchange for the opportunity to command them to perform chores and upkeep of the cabin. She was such a good commander that she often volunteered their services to other islanders. Those boys wouldn't have traded those mosquito-infested feats for anything, it made them the men they are today.
Each year would start with an opening of the cabin and the repairs from any damage that winter brought. Then she would spend her vacation once or twice in the summer, finding new chores or projects. Finally, came the closings that she would do mainly with her husband as they huddled together during chilly, fall evenings.
Mary Kay went through a shy phase when she was younger and battled depression and anxiety. Then one day she realized that she didn't have time for that and it made her a very strong-willed, stubborn person for the rest of her life.
She loved to argue and have the last word. Her husband was often the brunt of these arguments but she loved him with all of her heart. Their bickering was entertaining to say the least and it let you know how much they loved each other.
When it came to her home or the island, she only wanted one thing and that was for people to love it as much as she did. If you were lucky, you saw that and were able to appreciate what she was doing, though she could be opinionated at times... most times... okay, all the time.
Mary Kay loved Christmas. She would decorate her house with multiple trees and have her youngest son climb out on the roof and hang white lights. She wrapped several boxes containing bricks and made a whole display of the porch. She had a section of the attic that contained all of these items, including a ton of poinsettias. Again, she wanted to make that time special and it was those little things that made the holidays magical. Her favorite Christmas was when she brought a whole bunch of presents for her youngest sister and got to see her open them. Her next favorite were all the ones with her children.
In June of 2011, Mary Kay found out she had bone cancer when doctors went to put cement in her vertebrate due to chronic back problems. She went through radiation treatments and chemotherapy and several trips to the hospital. She fought courageously and always felt like she couldn't do anything and that she lost her dignity. She hated getting her picture taken because she hated the way she looked. To her children and husband, she was always beautiful. And she was still able to give her opinion, which is greatly missed.
In 2013, her cancer was upgraded to "non-active" however the chemotherapy took its toll on her immune system. In July of 2013, she contracted cellulitis from a small cut in her leg. She nearly died but was saved thanks to the doctors and staff at Southview Medical Center. She spent the next few weeks recuperating in a nursing home. She had her middle son install bird feeders outside of her window and yelled directions at him to make sure it was in the right place. After a month, she went home where her husband, John took care of her.
On September 14th, a party was thrown for her 70th birthday and friends came from miles around. She was shining that day! On Tuesday, she complained of not feeling well and was visited by her children who said she should see a doctor, especially after the cellulitis. The next day, she collapsed into John's arms and died in an ambulance on the way to the hospital from a blood clot. Her funeral was attended by so many people that they had to park across the street. She would have loved it.
Her ashes were taken by her husband and children to Paradise and placed under the "sitting rock," her garden, and the "King's Throne." Through all the struggle she had over the island, she left this earth knowing it was hers. She leaves behind her family and they miss her greatly.
She always told us that when she was gone to always know that the wind was her hugging us. She also made a reference to crows as being our deceased relatives. So every time we feel the wind or hear a crow, we know she's around. One of her wishes was to have a plaque saying, "Mary Kay Reese, Cute as a Bug's Ear" placed on the back of her parent's tombstone. It was done in December, 2021.
--------------------
From the Journal of Mary Kay Reese
Sunday June 28, 1992
If my boys; Chris, Mike, or Jamie are reading this --- feel the wind :) it's me. If you're my grandchildren, feel the breeze - it's grands passin by - :)
Never wrote a diary before.
Yeah I did - - the summer of my 14th almost 15th year-- I wrote about my first kiss and first true love (Bobby Brown), I said thank you -- stop laughing -- anyway, Barb (my sister) read it to her girlfriends. I was mortified and tore it up, I wish I hadn't.
Being June already thought I'd just tell about myself to catch up time.
I was born September 12, 1943 (cute as a bug's ear) yep - that makes me 48 right now almost 49 - Uggg. I still feel 18. It's my body that's aging.
My cute little 500 lb cheeks are starting to fall so I grin a lot.
I started using color on my hair - graying around the edges ya know.
Been married to the greatest guy for 28 years. Sometimes though I really get angry with him.
Men are missing a gene you know. Their logic is just not up to par and it can really drive ya crazy sometimes. There have been moments I've thought male farms should be created and ya call them home when needed :). Just a joke --- I think. When I love him lots he's Jackie, when I like him, John T, and when I get angry, it's John.
I had 3 great sons - Chris - Mike & Jamie - I know I drove them crazy sometimes but I hope they know or knew how much I loved them and how proud of them I am and were.
I'm 5 ft 5 inches - 152 lbs., on diet 2,586. I wear size 14 clothes. I'm not wide but round. I was flat chested, great legs, square body - cute butt - round face, lots of cheeks - full mouth - brown eyes - long lashes - ugly till 17 - late bloomer - I looked younger then I was. Caught up around 40 damnit - Brown hair - wear glasses or contacts.
Had a breast enlargement done in 1991. They (silicon) have been banned since then. So far, so good for me. I sure don't want them removed. Boobs are fun ya know!
I work at an antique shop - Main Antiques - in Lebanon, Ohio. My boss is Jon Sharlock - I call him my other son. I love my job, it's my R&R.
Medical wise - I have hypoglycemia - no thyroid - not in menopause yet - just bitchy naturally :) I have arthritis in my hands - thanks mom - my knees are bad but I ignore them.
I love life - have a terrible, crazy sense of humor - If you fall and make a face on the way down - know I'd be laughing - I love to laugh.
I live in Centerville, Ohio. Our house was a barn - we have 7 acres - I love it there.
Things I'd love for my children -
Always take time to see a tree - Ask what could it tell me.
Take time to see a crow.
Never be afraid to feel or share
Never be afraid to say, "I love you."
My favorite colors are bright yellow, fusia, and green.
I hate housework - love baths but not showers - Love to talk- like to be alone sometimes - cry just because - hug cause it feels good - listen to people, outside, quiet, myself.
Wonder about my grandchildren - their children - will they wonder about me? I hope so.
I have three cats, one died, her name was CAT. She was all white and my favorite. She was 19.
I love my dad from my toes. Mom I loved but not sure she ever liked me, loved me she did but never really liked me a lot. We were drawn to each other though.
Dad was Dr. Woodtli Grandin. Mom - Mary Brinkel Grandin. I had one brother Woodtli (Sonny) - 2 sisters - Barb 3 years older - Pam, 10 years younger. Dad died of lung cancer in 1979 - Mom died because (I don't know) 1990. They are at David Cemetery - corner of Far Hills & David Rd.
My favorite other place is Paradise Island - Parry Sound, Canada. Is it still in the family? I hope so. I'm up there you know. Such peace you'll never know.
Guess that's a quick run down. I'll tell stories I remember as this goes on.
I don't know why I want ya all to know me - but it seems like fun to make ya wonder.
Mary Kay was the second child of four born to Dr. Woodtli Grandin and Mary Grandin in Oakwood, OH. She grew up, a child of the 50's and listened to Elvis. She met her high school sweetheart, John Reese, and married him on October 3, 1964.
They had three children; Chris, Mike, and Jamie. They were married for nearly 49 years and had five grandchildren; Brandon, Anna, Connor, Molly, & Wyatt.
She lived in a fixer-upper barn-turned-house for over thirty years and sat at the end of the kitchen table ready to greet all those that came to visit. She was called, "Mama Kay" by many and always doled out advise whether you wanted it or not.
Her second home was Paradise, an island in Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada. She loved and fought for that "Rock" all of her life. She made Eggs-Over-Easy for her husband and three boys in exchange for the opportunity to command them to perform chores and upkeep of the cabin. She was such a good commander that she often volunteered their services to other islanders. Those boys wouldn't have traded those mosquito-infested feats for anything, it made them the men they are today.
Each year would start with an opening of the cabin and the repairs from any damage that winter brought. Then she would spend her vacation once or twice in the summer, finding new chores or projects. Finally, came the closings that she would do mainly with her husband as they huddled together during chilly, fall evenings.
Mary Kay went through a shy phase when she was younger and battled depression and anxiety. Then one day she realized that she didn't have time for that and it made her a very strong-willed, stubborn person for the rest of her life.
She loved to argue and have the last word. Her husband was often the brunt of these arguments but she loved him with all of her heart. Their bickering was entertaining to say the least and it let you know how much they loved each other.
When it came to her home or the island, she only wanted one thing and that was for people to love it as much as she did. If you were lucky, you saw that and were able to appreciate what she was doing, though she could be opinionated at times... most times... okay, all the time.
Mary Kay loved Christmas. She would decorate her house with multiple trees and have her youngest son climb out on the roof and hang white lights. She wrapped several boxes containing bricks and made a whole display of the porch. She had a section of the attic that contained all of these items, including a ton of poinsettias. Again, she wanted to make that time special and it was those little things that made the holidays magical. Her favorite Christmas was when she brought a whole bunch of presents for her youngest sister and got to see her open them. Her next favorite were all the ones with her children.
In June of 2011, Mary Kay found out she had bone cancer when doctors went to put cement in her vertebrate due to chronic back problems. She went through radiation treatments and chemotherapy and several trips to the hospital. She fought courageously and always felt like she couldn't do anything and that she lost her dignity. She hated getting her picture taken because she hated the way she looked. To her children and husband, she was always beautiful. And she was still able to give her opinion, which is greatly missed.
In 2013, her cancer was upgraded to "non-active" however the chemotherapy took its toll on her immune system. In July of 2013, she contracted cellulitis from a small cut in her leg. She nearly died but was saved thanks to the doctors and staff at Southview Medical Center. She spent the next few weeks recuperating in a nursing home. She had her middle son install bird feeders outside of her window and yelled directions at him to make sure it was in the right place. After a month, she went home where her husband, John took care of her.
On September 14th, a party was thrown for her 70th birthday and friends came from miles around. She was shining that day! On Tuesday, she complained of not feeling well and was visited by her children who said she should see a doctor, especially after the cellulitis. The next day, she collapsed into John's arms and died in an ambulance on the way to the hospital from a blood clot. Her funeral was attended by so many people that they had to park across the street. She would have loved it.
Her ashes were taken by her husband and children to Paradise and placed under the "sitting rock," her garden, and the "King's Throne." Through all the struggle she had over the island, she left this earth knowing it was hers. She leaves behind her family and they miss her greatly.
She always told us that when she was gone to always know that the wind was her hugging us. She also made a reference to crows as being our deceased relatives. So every time we feel the wind or hear a crow, we know she's around. One of her wishes was to have a plaque saying, "Mary Kay Reese, Cute as a Bug's Ear" placed on the back of her parent's tombstone. It was done in December, 2021.
--------------------
From the Journal of Mary Kay Reese
Sunday June 28, 1992
If my boys; Chris, Mike, or Jamie are reading this --- feel the wind :) it's me. If you're my grandchildren, feel the breeze - it's grands passin by - :)
Never wrote a diary before.
Yeah I did - - the summer of my 14th almost 15th year-- I wrote about my first kiss and first true love (Bobby Brown), I said thank you -- stop laughing -- anyway, Barb (my sister) read it to her girlfriends. I was mortified and tore it up, I wish I hadn't.
Being June already thought I'd just tell about myself to catch up time.
I was born September 12, 1943 (cute as a bug's ear) yep - that makes me 48 right now almost 49 - Uggg. I still feel 18. It's my body that's aging.
My cute little 500 lb cheeks are starting to fall so I grin a lot.
I started using color on my hair - graying around the edges ya know.
Been married to the greatest guy for 28 years. Sometimes though I really get angry with him.
Men are missing a gene you know. Their logic is just not up to par and it can really drive ya crazy sometimes. There have been moments I've thought male farms should be created and ya call them home when needed :). Just a joke --- I think. When I love him lots he's Jackie, when I like him, John T, and when I get angry, it's John.
I had 3 great sons - Chris - Mike & Jamie - I know I drove them crazy sometimes but I hope they know or knew how much I loved them and how proud of them I am and were.
I'm 5 ft 5 inches - 152 lbs., on diet 2,586. I wear size 14 clothes. I'm not wide but round. I was flat chested, great legs, square body - cute butt - round face, lots of cheeks - full mouth - brown eyes - long lashes - ugly till 17 - late bloomer - I looked younger then I was. Caught up around 40 damnit - Brown hair - wear glasses or contacts.
Had a breast enlargement done in 1991. They (silicon) have been banned since then. So far, so good for me. I sure don't want them removed. Boobs are fun ya know!
I work at an antique shop - Main Antiques - in Lebanon, Ohio. My boss is Jon Sharlock - I call him my other son. I love my job, it's my R&R.
Medical wise - I have hypoglycemia - no thyroid - not in menopause yet - just bitchy naturally :) I have arthritis in my hands - thanks mom - my knees are bad but I ignore them.
I love life - have a terrible, crazy sense of humor - If you fall and make a face on the way down - know I'd be laughing - I love to laugh.
I live in Centerville, Ohio. Our house was a barn - we have 7 acres - I love it there.
Things I'd love for my children -
Always take time to see a tree - Ask what could it tell me.
Take time to see a crow.
Never be afraid to feel or share
Never be afraid to say, "I love you."
My favorite colors are bright yellow, fusia, and green.
I hate housework - love baths but not showers - Love to talk- like to be alone sometimes - cry just because - hug cause it feels good - listen to people, outside, quiet, myself.
Wonder about my grandchildren - their children - will they wonder about me? I hope so.
I have three cats, one died, her name was CAT. She was all white and my favorite. She was 19.
I love my dad from my toes. Mom I loved but not sure she ever liked me, loved me she did but never really liked me a lot. We were drawn to each other though.
Dad was Dr. Woodtli Grandin. Mom - Mary Brinkel Grandin. I had one brother Woodtli (Sonny) - 2 sisters - Barb 3 years older - Pam, 10 years younger. Dad died of lung cancer in 1979 - Mom died because (I don't know) 1990. They are at David Cemetery - corner of Far Hills & David Rd.
My favorite other place is Paradise Island - Parry Sound, Canada. Is it still in the family? I hope so. I'm up there you know. Such peace you'll never know.
Guess that's a quick run down. I'll tell stories I remember as this goes on.
I don't know why I want ya all to know me - but it seems like fun to make ya wonder.
Cenotaph here
Mary Kay was the second child of four born to Dr. Woodtli Grandin and Mary Grandin in Oakwood, OH. She grew up, a child of the 50's and listened to Elvis. She met her high school sweetheart, John Reese, and married him on October 3, 1964.
They had three children; Chris, Mike, and Jamie. They were married for nearly 49 years and had five grandchildren; Brandon, Anna, Connor, Molly, & Wyatt.
She lived in a fixer-upper barn-turned-house for over thirty years and sat at the end of the kitchen table ready to greet all those that came to visit. She was called, "Mama Kay" by many and always doled out advise whether you wanted it or not.
Her second home was Paradise, an island in Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada. She loved and fought for that "Rock" all of her life. She made Eggs-Over-Easy for her husband and three boys in exchange for the opportunity to command them to perform chores and upkeep of the cabin. She was such a good commander that she often volunteered their services to other islanders. Those boys wouldn't have traded those mosquito-infested feats for anything, it made them the men they are today.
Each year would start with an opening of the cabin and the repairs from any damage that winter brought. Then she would spend her vacation once or twice in the summer, finding new chores or projects. Finally, came the closings that she would do mainly with her husband as they huddled together during chilly, fall evenings.
Mary Kay went through a shy phase when she was younger and battled depression and anxiety. Then one day she realized that she didn't have time for that and it made her a very strong-willed, stubborn person for the rest of her life.
She loved to argue and have the last word. Her husband was often the brunt of these arguments but she loved him with all of her heart. Their bickering was entertaining to say the least and it let you know how much they loved each other.
When it came to her home or the island, she only wanted one thing and that was for people to love it as much as she did. If you were lucky, you saw that and were able to appreciate what she was doing, though she could be opinionated at times... most times... okay, all the time.
Mary Kay loved Christmas. She would decorate her house with multiple trees and have her youngest son climb out on the roof and hang white lights. She wrapped several boxes containing bricks and made a whole display of the porch. She had a section of the attic that contained all of these items, including a ton of poinsettias. Again, she wanted to make that time special and it was those little things that made the holidays magical. Her favorite Christmas was when she brought a whole bunch of presents for her youngest sister and got to see her open them. Her next favorite were all the ones with her children.
In June of 2011, Mary Kay found out she had bone cancer when doctors went to put cement in her vertebrate due to chronic back problems. She went through radiation treatments and chemotherapy and several trips to the hospital. She fought courageously and always felt like she couldn't do anything and that she lost her dignity. She hated getting her picture taken because she hated the way she looked. To her children and husband, she was always beautiful. And she was still able to give her opinion, which is greatly missed.
In 2013, her cancer was upgraded to "non-active" however the chemotherapy took its toll on her immune system. In July of 2013, she contracted cellulitis from a small cut in her leg. She nearly died but was saved thanks to the doctors and staff at Southview Medical Center. She spent the next few weeks recuperating in a nursing home. She had her middle son install bird feeders outside of her window and yelled directions at him to make sure it was in the right place. After a month, she went home where her husband, John took care of her.
On September 14th, a party was thrown for her 70th birthday and friends came from miles around. She was shining that day! On Tuesday, she complained of not feeling well and was visited by her children who said she should see a doctor, especially after the cellulitis. The next day, she collapsed into John's arms and died in an ambulance on the way to the hospital from a blood clot. Her funeral was attended by so many people that they had to park across the street. She would have loved it.
Her ashes were taken by her husband and children to Paradise and placed under the "sitting rock," her garden, and the "King's Throne." Through all the struggle she had over the island, she left this earth knowing it was hers. She leaves behind her family and they miss her greatly.
She always told us that when she was gone to always know that the wind was her hugging us. She also made a reference to crows as being our deceased relatives. So every time we feel the wind or hear a crow, we know she's around. One of her wishes was to have a plaque saying, "Mary Kay Reese, Cute as a Bug's Ear" placed on the back of her parent's tombstone. It was done in December, 2021.
--------------------
From the Journal of Mary Kay Reese
Sunday June 28, 1992
If my boys; Chris, Mike, or Jamie are reading this --- feel the wind :) it's me. If you're my grandchildren, feel the breeze - it's grands passin by - :)
Never wrote a diary before.
Yeah I did - - the summer of my 14th almost 15th year-- I wrote about my first kiss and first true love (Bobby Brown), I said thank you -- stop laughing -- anyway, Barb (my sister) read it to her girlfriends. I was mortified and tore it up, I wish I hadn't.
Being June already thought I'd just tell about myself to catch up time.
I was born September 12, 1943 (cute as a bug's ear) yep - that makes me 48 right now almost 49 - Uggg. I still feel 18. It's my body that's aging.
My cute little 500 lb cheeks are starting to fall so I grin a lot.
I started using color on my hair - graying around the edges ya know.
Been married to the greatest guy for 28 years. Sometimes though I really get angry with him.
Men are missing a gene you know. Their logic is just not up to par and it can really drive ya crazy sometimes. There have been moments I've thought male farms should be created and ya call them home when needed :). Just a joke --- I think. When I love him lots he's Jackie, when I like him, John T, and when I get angry, it's John.
I had 3 great sons - Chris - Mike & Jamie - I know I drove them crazy sometimes but I hope they know or knew how much I loved them and how proud of them I am and were.
I'm 5 ft 5 inches - 152 lbs., on diet 2,586. I wear size 14 clothes. I'm not wide but round. I was flat chested, great legs, square body - cute butt - round face, lots of cheeks - full mouth - brown eyes - long lashes - ugly till 17 - late bloomer - I looked younger then I was. Caught up around 40 damnit - Brown hair - wear glasses or contacts.
Had a breast enlargement done in 1991. They (silicon) have been banned since then. So far, so good for me. I sure don't want them removed. Boobs are fun ya know!
I work at an antique shop - Main Antiques - in Lebanon, Ohio. My boss is Jon Sharlock - I call him my other son. I love my job, it's my R&R.
Medical wise - I have hypoglycemia - no thyroid - not in menopause yet - just bitchy naturally :) I have arthritis in my hands - thanks mom - my knees are bad but I ignore them.
I love life - have a terrible, crazy sense of humor - If you fall and make a face on the way down - know I'd be laughing - I love to laugh.
I live in Centerville, Ohio. Our house was a barn - we have 7 acres - I love it there.
Things I'd love for my children -
Always take time to see a tree - Ask what could it tell me.
Take time to see a crow.
Never be afraid to feel or share
Never be afraid to say, "I love you."
My favorite colors are bright yellow, fusia, and green.
I hate housework - love baths but not showers - Love to talk- like to be alone sometimes - cry just because - hug cause it feels good - listen to people, outside, quiet, myself.
Wonder about my grandchildren - their children - will they wonder about me? I hope so.
I have three cats, one died, her name was CAT. She was all white and my favorite. She was 19.
I love my dad from my toes. Mom I loved but not sure she ever liked me, loved me she did but never really liked me a lot. We were drawn to each other though.
Dad was Dr. Woodtli Grandin. Mom - Mary Brinkel Grandin. I had one brother Woodtli (Sonny) - 2 sisters - Barb 3 years older - Pam, 10 years younger. Dad died of lung cancer in 1979 - Mom died because (I don't know) 1990. They are at David Cemetery - corner of Far Hills & David Rd.
My favorite other place is Paradise Island - Parry Sound, Canada. Is it still in the family? I hope so. I'm up there you know. Such peace you'll never know.
Guess that's a quick run down. I'll tell stories I remember as this goes on.
I don't know why I want ya all to know me - but it seems like fun to make ya wonder.
Mary Kay was the second child of four born to Dr. Woodtli Grandin and Mary Grandin in Oakwood, OH. She grew up, a child of the 50's and listened to Elvis. She met her high school sweetheart, John Reese, and married him on October 3, 1964.
They had three children; Chris, Mike, and Jamie. They were married for nearly 49 years and had five grandchildren; Brandon, Anna, Connor, Molly, & Wyatt.
She lived in a fixer-upper barn-turned-house for over thirty years and sat at the end of the kitchen table ready to greet all those that came to visit. She was called, "Mama Kay" by many and always doled out advise whether you wanted it or not.
Her second home was Paradise, an island in Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada. She loved and fought for that "Rock" all of her life. She made Eggs-Over-Easy for her husband and three boys in exchange for the opportunity to command them to perform chores and upkeep of the cabin. She was such a good commander that she often volunteered their services to other islanders. Those boys wouldn't have traded those mosquito-infested feats for anything, it made them the men they are today.
Each year would start with an opening of the cabin and the repairs from any damage that winter brought. Then she would spend her vacation once or twice in the summer, finding new chores or projects. Finally, came the closings that she would do mainly with her husband as they huddled together during chilly, fall evenings.
Mary Kay went through a shy phase when she was younger and battled depression and anxiety. Then one day she realized that she didn't have time for that and it made her a very strong-willed, stubborn person for the rest of her life.
She loved to argue and have the last word. Her husband was often the brunt of these arguments but she loved him with all of her heart. Their bickering was entertaining to say the least and it let you know how much they loved each other.
When it came to her home or the island, she only wanted one thing and that was for people to love it as much as she did. If you were lucky, you saw that and were able to appreciate what she was doing, though she could be opinionated at times... most times... okay, all the time.
Mary Kay loved Christmas. She would decorate her house with multiple trees and have her youngest son climb out on the roof and hang white lights. She wrapped several boxes containing bricks and made a whole display of the porch. She had a section of the attic that contained all of these items, including a ton of poinsettias. Again, she wanted to make that time special and it was those little things that made the holidays magical. Her favorite Christmas was when she brought a whole bunch of presents for her youngest sister and got to see her open them. Her next favorite were all the ones with her children.
In June of 2011, Mary Kay found out she had bone cancer when doctors went to put cement in her vertebrate due to chronic back problems. She went through radiation treatments and chemotherapy and several trips to the hospital. She fought courageously and always felt like she couldn't do anything and that she lost her dignity. She hated getting her picture taken because she hated the way she looked. To her children and husband, she was always beautiful. And she was still able to give her opinion, which is greatly missed.
In 2013, her cancer was upgraded to "non-active" however the chemotherapy took its toll on her immune system. In July of 2013, she contracted cellulitis from a small cut in her leg. She nearly died but was saved thanks to the doctors and staff at Southview Medical Center. She spent the next few weeks recuperating in a nursing home. She had her middle son install bird feeders outside of her window and yelled directions at him to make sure it was in the right place. After a month, she went home where her husband, John took care of her.
On September 14th, a party was thrown for her 70th birthday and friends came from miles around. She was shining that day! On Tuesday, she complained of not feeling well and was visited by her children who said she should see a doctor, especially after the cellulitis. The next day, she collapsed into John's arms and died in an ambulance on the way to the hospital from a blood clot. Her funeral was attended by so many people that they had to park across the street. She would have loved it.
Her ashes were taken by her husband and children to Paradise and placed under the "sitting rock," her garden, and the "King's Throne." Through all the struggle she had over the island, she left this earth knowing it was hers. She leaves behind her family and they miss her greatly.
She always told us that when she was gone to always know that the wind was her hugging us. She also made a reference to crows as being our deceased relatives. So every time we feel the wind or hear a crow, we know she's around. One of her wishes was to have a plaque saying, "Mary Kay Reese, Cute as a Bug's Ear" placed on the back of her parent's tombstone. It was done in December, 2021.
--------------------
From the Journal of Mary Kay Reese
Sunday June 28, 1992
If my boys; Chris, Mike, or Jamie are reading this --- feel the wind :) it's me. If you're my grandchildren, feel the breeze - it's grands passin by - :)
Never wrote a diary before.
Yeah I did - - the summer of my 14th almost 15th year-- I wrote about my first kiss and first true love (Bobby Brown), I said thank you -- stop laughing -- anyway, Barb (my sister) read it to her girlfriends. I was mortified and tore it up, I wish I hadn't.
Being June already thought I'd just tell about myself to catch up time.
I was born September 12, 1943 (cute as a bug's ear) yep - that makes me 48 right now almost 49 - Uggg. I still feel 18. It's my body that's aging.
My cute little 500 lb cheeks are starting to fall so I grin a lot.
I started using color on my hair - graying around the edges ya know.
Been married to the greatest guy for 28 years. Sometimes though I really get angry with him.
Men are missing a gene you know. Their logic is just not up to par and it can really drive ya crazy sometimes. There have been moments I've thought male farms should be created and ya call them home when needed :). Just a joke --- I think. When I love him lots he's Jackie, when I like him, John T, and when I get angry, it's John.
I had 3 great sons - Chris - Mike & Jamie - I know I drove them crazy sometimes but I hope they know or knew how much I loved them and how proud of them I am and were.
I'm 5 ft 5 inches - 152 lbs., on diet 2,586. I wear size 14 clothes. I'm not wide but round. I was flat chested, great legs, square body - cute butt - round face, lots of cheeks - full mouth - brown eyes - long lashes - ugly till 17 - late bloomer - I looked younger then I was. Caught up around 40 damnit - Brown hair - wear glasses or contacts.
Had a breast enlargement done in 1991. They (silicon) have been banned since then. So far, so good for me. I sure don't want them removed. Boobs are fun ya know!
I work at an antique shop - Main Antiques - in Lebanon, Ohio. My boss is Jon Sharlock - I call him my other son. I love my job, it's my R&R.
Medical wise - I have hypoglycemia - no thyroid - not in menopause yet - just bitchy naturally :) I have arthritis in my hands - thanks mom - my knees are bad but I ignore them.
I love life - have a terrible, crazy sense of humor - If you fall and make a face on the way down - know I'd be laughing - I love to laugh.
I live in Centerville, Ohio. Our house was a barn - we have 7 acres - I love it there.
Things I'd love for my children -
Always take time to see a tree - Ask what could it tell me.
Take time to see a crow.
Never be afraid to feel or share
Never be afraid to say, "I love you."
My favorite colors are bright yellow, fusia, and green.
I hate housework - love baths but not showers - Love to talk- like to be alone sometimes - cry just because - hug cause it feels good - listen to people, outside, quiet, myself.
Wonder about my grandchildren - their children - will they wonder about me? I hope so.
I have three cats, one died, her name was CAT. She was all white and my favorite. She was 19.
I love my dad from my toes. Mom I loved but not sure she ever liked me, loved me she did but never really liked me a lot. We were drawn to each other though.
Dad was Dr. Woodtli Grandin. Mom - Mary Brinkel Grandin. I had one brother Woodtli (Sonny) - 2 sisters - Barb 3 years older - Pam, 10 years younger. Dad died of lung cancer in 1979 - Mom died because (I don't know) 1990. They are at David Cemetery - corner of Far Hills & David Rd.
My favorite other place is Paradise Island - Parry Sound, Canada. Is it still in the family? I hope so. I'm up there you know. Such peace you'll never know.
Guess that's a quick run down. I'll tell stories I remember as this goes on.
I don't know why I want ya all to know me - but it seems like fun to make ya wonder.
Gravesite Details
45.306440, -80.285838
