Obituary of Alice Ann Reese

Alice was born in Portland, Oregon to parents James Bruce Gordon and Edna (Richards) Gordon. While growing up her family spent time in several towns in Eastern Oregon as well as Portland. Upon her parents’ move to Idanha, Oregon with a population of less than 400, she and her older sister decided they wanted to settle in one place. They lived with an aunt in Milwaukie, Oregon and Alice graduated from Milwaukie High School in 1948. Alice got her first job at an insurance agency at age 15 and was independent until she met her beloved Charles (Chuck) Reese. Chuck had returned to Portland from the military and a friend set him up with Alice. He was 23 and she was 17. He always later swore he thought she was older when they met. They married December 16, 1950 and made their home in Portland. After marriage, Alice worked while Chuck went to college and then when they started a family she became a homemaker. In 1960 Alice began part-time Saturday teller work at U.S. Bank before later moving to a branch desk position. From 1976 until she retired she was a vice president in the trust tax department. Alice was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Episcopal church for 60 years where she served on the altar guild and as treasurer as well as other volunteer positions. She was known for her English muffin bread that she contributed to fundraisers. Many people began to pre-order because it went so quickly. Many friends and golfing buddies were made through her church. Alice and Chuck were able to travel after retirement until Chuck developed Alzheimer's. Alice faithfully took care of him at home until just two months before he passed. For the past ten years Alice was a volunteer cashier at Albertina's Place. This was an especially wonderful experience for her after Chuck died and she made many wonderful friends there. Alice loved to read but more than that she loved the gatherings with her book group friends. She was a subscriber to the Oregon Symphony, Oregon Ballet Theater, and Portland Center Stage as well as attended other concerts and plays. Her daughter Carol was lucky to be her plus-one. In March she balked a little at going to see Michelle Obama but afterward she said she was thrilled to have been able to attend. Through the years, Alice enjoyed immensely following her grandchildren's and great grandchildren's activities and loved taking all her family on memorable trips to Hawaii, Mexico, Sunriver and Black Butte Ranch. Alice is survived by her daughters Carol Reese-Metke (Steve) and Pat Reese and her son Doug Reese; granddaughters Marie Westom (Michael), Jessica Fraser (Phil), Katie Willer (Mike), Madii Reese, Breah Reese, and her grandson Craig Metke; great-grandsons Matthew and Andrew Westom; sister Janice Swanson (Wayne), and numerous nieces and nephews. Alice was preceded in death by her husband Charles (Chuck), sisters Edna Walker and Mary Wright and her brothers Bruce Gordon and Robert Gordon. Private interment took place at Willamette National Cemetery August 9th, 2019. A public memorial service and reception will be held Saturday August 24, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Episcopal church, 247 SE 82nd Ave., Portland, OR. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in honor to the Alzheimers Association. https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=43504&mfc_pref=T&43504.donation=form1&32112.donation=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=google_giving&set.custom.wt=giving&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4s7qBRCzARIsAImcAxZJLazeMaNzsx8__xIrrFZSLVwuXu2h_Dkm73YU9ERBuTMWEtuGq-caApqSEALw_wcB&utm_expid=.HruPBsCjQR-wsbfKJYSCvA.1&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F