Patricia Diane (Lindsey) Reece, 61, of Bokoshe, OK went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 4, 2013. She was born on July 14, 1952 to Lowell and June (Casey) Lindsey. She is survived by her husband, Bill Reece of the home; two daughters Kasandra Lovell and husband Jeff of Bokoshe, OK; and Kris Williams and husband Mark of Bokoshe, OK; sister, Jan Fraley and husband Jim of Broken Arrow, OK, and brothers Dean Lindsey and wife Ann of Porum, OK; and Steve Lindsey and wife RaeAnne of Porum, OK; her mother, June Lindsey of Porum, OK, and six grandchildren who loved her more than could be measured, Reece and Madilyn Lovell, Kaden, Kenzi, Kennedi, and Kamrin Williams.
Diane grew up on a farm in Porum, OK where she spent many days milking dairy cows for the family business, swimming in creeks, running barefoot in the pasture and riding her horse bareback to her one room schoolhouse. She was married to Bill Reece, also of Porum. She and Bill enjoyed traveling together, working with cows, gardening green beans, squash and potatoes. Shes known among family for her delicious cherry cheesecake, chocolate and black berry pies, and chicken and dumplings.
She had a passion for children and was a deeply committed educator for the children of Bokoshe. She taught head start, kindergarten and 5/6th grade science for 36 years. She was responsible for Bokoshe obtaining the 21st Century Afterschool Program Grant for 10 years. She was a National Board Certified Teacher, a state finalist for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, one of only five Oklahoma Excellence Award recipients and is presently one of two finalists for the National Teaching in Excellence Award.
She inspired students and believed strongly in finding activities that made learning fun for all students. She did hands on science experiments like dropping eggs from two stories high, launching rockets, organizing Water World days, making pancakes in class, teaching them about Robotics and so very much more. She taught numerous workshops to teachers around the state.
She loved to read and instilled a love of reading in her students, children and grandchildren. She absolutely loved being a grandmother and showed it daily. Her grandchildren would light up when she walked in the room. She often made up stories that included each of them. She spent countless hours with all of her grandchildren having sleepovers, fishing, taking them to Science Museums and nature centers, swimming, taking them to the library, playing board and card games, and reading books at home. She loved playing outdoors with her grandchildren, riding bikes, searching for hidden treasures in the pasture, making mud pies, and teaching them life lessons. All of her grandchildren adored her and couldnt wait to have impromptu hot dog roasts, 4-wheeler rides, make crafts and laugh at her stories. She was the perfect grandmother in our eyes.
She loved being outdoors and was committed to community improvement projects. She spent countless hours walking and picking up trash on the backroads of Bokoshe. She was a member of Bokoshe Pride, helping plant trees and flowers as part of its many projects. She established the communitys first library. She wrote the grant, obtained volunteer support, and implemented reading programs.
Diane loved God, family, life, laughter, teaching, volunteering, and attending her home church First Baptist.
The tremendous loss of Diane will be felt by numerous family, friends, colleagues and loved ones, but she assured us that she had peace in her heart.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, December 9, 2013 at Bokoshe School gymnasium with Reverend Wes Bates officiating with burial following in Reece Hillside Gardens under the direction of Grace Manor Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Viewing will be Saturday 9 a.m. 8 p.m. and the family will greet friends Sunday from 3-5 p.m. at the funeral home. You may leave your condolences to the family at gracemanorfh.com.