Helen Keller Reese

Helen Keller Reese, age 93 of Penhook died Monday, January 15, 2007 in the local hospital. She was the daughter of a wagon maker, Frederick Keller and his wife Mabel, in Hudson, Michigan. One of the last Lincoln Republicans, plain spoken, always gracious, disliked arguments. Believed that her religious beliefs were between her and her God. Moderate in all things except chocolate. She loved Dairy Queen hot dogs, Carl’s blueberry cobbler, and turkey dinners at the Roanoker. She was never without a cat and wrote funny stories about their misadventures. She looked on the good side of everyone, she was a good listener, a kind and supportive mother, grandmother and friend. She was the best grandmother in the world to Christopher and Emily and to a generation of children who grew up on Villa Street or attended Preschool at Eton School in Birmingham, Michigan where she served as a volunteer. She was preceded in death by her husband, Architect Ben Reese; her sister Lucille Johnson; and Sebastian, her cat and bed companion. She is survived by her daughter Judith Arkell and her husband Ross of Penhook; her grandchildren Christopher Arkell and wife Sandy of Atlanta, Emily Duban and husband Robert and their children Stefan, Mark and Heather of California. Thank you to friends Carole Forbes, Tom and Isa Edwards, Joberta Feroe, Mary Hamrick, Debra Stockton, Kathy Darnell and to caregivers Michelle Dalton, Benetta Gregory and Carilion Home Care Nurses. Burial will be in Freesoil, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to WVTF Public Radio, 3520 Kingsbury Lane, Roanoke, VA 24014. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service, 665 South Main Street, Rocky Mount.