Donnis Reese
March 26, 1935-October 23, 2024
Donnis Joy Groff Reese of Meridian, ID went to be with the Lord on October 23, 2024 at age 89, after suffering with Alzheimers for many years. Donnis was born March 26, 1935 in Rapid City, SD to Donald and Hazel Groff. The oldest of four children, the family moved from Rapid City to Boise when Donnis was in 1st grade. After graduating from Boise High School in 1953, Donnis worked at the Idaho Air National Guard, where she met and married Chauncey Reese.
Chauncey’s aviation career took them to Las Vegas then to Phoenix from 1957 until they moved back to Boise to retire in 1980.
Donnis loved being a stay home mom and entertaining family and friends. She was an original Martha Stewart. She was active in church activities, including many years in the church choir. After retirement, Donnis and Chauncey enjoyed many years of motor homing, snowmobiling and all that Idaho has to offer and spending time with family and friends.
Donnis was preceded in death by her parents Donald and Hazel Groff and Chauncey Reese, her husband of 59 years. She is survived by 3 children Bill (and Carmen) Reese, Holli (and Mark) Wilson, John Brett Reese; 3 siblings Esther (Groff) Dotson, Ray Groff and Rick Groff; 5 grandchildren, Todd Reese, Zachariah Reese, Aubrey Reese, Arielle Heinonen (McCormick) and Austin Heinonen; several great grandchildren; one great great grandson; and her sister in law, brother in law, nieces and nephews.
The family thanks Spring Gardens Assisted Living of Meridian, Idaho and Lighthouse Hospice of Meridian, Idaho for taking such great tender, loving care of our mom, gramma and sister.
A memorial service for Donnis will be held at Bowman Funeral Home 10254 W. Carlton Bay Drive, Boise, ID 83714 at 2:00 PM Wednesday, October 30, 2024.