Nina Faye Reese (Hetherington)

Nina Faye Reese, 84, of Buckner, MO, passed away on January 3, 2021 in Lee’s Summit, MO.
Nina was born on July 20, 1936 in Clinton, MO, the fourth of eight children to Ralph Hetherington and Mary Lucille (Moore) Hetherington. She graduated from Clinton High School and began working as a telephone operator for United Telephone Service in Clinton. She married Franklin Clyde Johnson on November 21, 1954, and they moved to Buckner a few years later. To this union were born two daughters: Pennie and Cindy.
In addition to raising a family and tending to the home, Nina was also an Avon lady, a substitute mail carrier, a clerk for the Buckner grocery store, and a clerk for Mattingly’s Five & Dime. She later married Robert “Bob” Reese on December 6, 1975, and they shared 20 wonderful years on their Buckner farmstead. Nina loved her life in the country: she could can and garden, loved to bake and share Christmas goodies with her family and neighbors, and enjoyed just soaking in the scenery from her front porch.
Prior to Bob’s passing in 1996, he and Nina joined the congregation at Ebenezer United Church of Christ in Levasy. She cherished the fellowship and the sense of community with her church friends. After she was widowed, she began working for AAA Disposal Services as an office administrator, a position she truly enjoyed.
Family was of the highest importance to Nina. She would help anyone, anytime, without any question. She was generous and thoughtful, but never sought recognition for her efforts. Though she struggled with health issues over the past few years, she remained strong, fearless, and positive. Her legacy is an indelible mark in the hearts of so many.
Nina’s family includes her two daughters Pennie Ahmann (husband Jim) and Cindy Hogg and step-son Brad Reese (wife Pat); grandsons Eric Hogg, Jeremy Ahmann (wife Rachel), and Evan Hogg (wife Rehanne) and step-grandsons Joe and Tom Reese; great-grandchildren Layf, Abe, Emily, Lauren, Hattie and Kovey; siblings Leroy Hetherington, Sandra Carter (husband Wayne), Lynda Robertson (husband Bruce), and Jim Hetherington; numerous extended family and dear friends; and her beloved four-legged companion, Pammy.
She was preceded in death by her two husbands Franklin Clyde Johnson and Robert “Bob” Reese; her parents Ralph and Mary Lucille Hetherington; son-in-law James Hogg; brothers Ralph Hetherington, Richard Hetherington, and Bill Hetherington; and a sister-in-law Thelma Hetherington.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 8, 2021, from 5-7pm, at Ebenezer United Church of Christ, 206 W Old Lexington Rd, Levasy, MO 64066. A funeral service will be at 11:00am Saturday, January 9, at the church. Due to county restrictions, seating is limited. Following the funeral, she will be laid to rest in Buckner Hill Cemetery.
In her honor, the family suggests that contributions be made to the church. Online condolences and fond memories may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arr: Speaks Buckner Chapel 816-650-5555)