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I heard a voice on the winds tonight,

Wondrously sweet and low,

Drifting down from up above,

Beyond the sunset’s glow.

I seem to see in the soft dim light

A face I love the best;

Recalling her as the sun’s last rays

Go down in the far-off west.

Her heart, the truest in all the world,

Her love the best to recall,

No one on earth can take her place,

She’s the dearest of them all.

~Recited by great great grandson Reese Ambler,

who had a special bond with Grama

November 14, 1918 - March 22, 2009

Myrtle Olive Reese (Grams) passed away quickly with the great grace and courage she showed throughout her life. A celebration of life was held at Schoenings Funeral Home in Kamloops. She was laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery with her late husband Richard Reese. Myrtle was also predeceased by her oldest son Richard Reese Jr., her bother Fred Allan and three great grandchildren: Jesse, Adam and Riley Kingdom. She is survived by her sister, Eileen, her daughter Beverley, three sons: Larry, Donny and Jack Reese, 11 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren.

Born in Westwold, B.C., her family were pioneers of that area. They brought the camels in from the USA for the 1800 goldrush. Myrtle lived most of her life in the Salmon Arm area. She not only raised her children with great love, she stepped up to help raise three of her grandchildren: Wanda, Wade and Garrity.

Anyone who knew Myrtle will remember her for her kindness and making sure you didn’t leave her house hungry. As we all know, life can be pretty serious at times, but even the bad times were good if you were around Myrtle. She had a wild sense of humour and unending wit.

At the service, granddaughter Garrity Reese gave the first part of the eulogy followed by Myrtle’s nephew Fred Allan. Myrtle’s daughter Beverley spoke of memories and Liesje van Goor spoke of how she tenderly cared for Grama, singing her lullabyes. Pallbearers were grandsons Bill, Cork and Wade Reese with great grandsons Raymond Scott, Ryan Nash and Logan Reese. Songs for Myrtle were her favourite Que Sera Sera followed by She Flies Like An Eagle sung by great granddaughter Shelby Lindley and last, My Old Friend, chosen by Garrity.

Special foods at the tea were old time licorice and chocolates, Myrtle’s favourites. Special floral arrangements were from the Harrison family and Dolly and Ron Sullivan. Over 130 family and friends attended the service with special guests, Myrtle’s oldest son Richard’s wife, Mary van Goor and Richard’s daughter Cheryl. Other special guests were Audrey and Freddy Woodman. There was also a special email read from Glen Wideman.

Myrtle was cared for with special love in her last years at Bastion Place. Myrtle’s family wishes to thank all the staff there who showed the love and respect Myrtle so deserved. Myrtle always drew people to her and drew a big crowd at gatherings; she was loved by all who knew her. She will be remembered with that twinkle in her eye. The family thanks everyone for acknowledging Myrtle, our old friend.



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