Patsy Reese

Patsy “Patty” Ann Reese, 92 years old, peacefully passed away at 8:05 PM on the evening of her 92nd birthday, July 26, 2025, in the comfort of her home with her daughters and granddaughter at her side.

Patty was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma on July 26, 1933, to Helen & Kenneth Ruby. The Ruby family relocated to Kingsville in 1944. Patty would later go on to teach in the same schools she attended as a child. She proudly graduated from H.M. King High School and went on to study at Texas A&I University.

To say Patty was a proud educator would be an understatement. She left an indelible mark on countless children at various Kingsville schools in her 27 years as a Reading teacher. In addition to positively impacting the many, many lives of her students, Patty made lifelong teacher friends that she treasured dearly. To this day, she still has her retirement cards, thank you cards from former students, and teaching certificates proudly displayed in her home. Being an educator was not simply a job; it was part of Patty’s DNA.

It wasn’t just teaching that kept Patty in Kingsville all these years; in the early 50’s she met Howard Reese, who would go on to be her beloved husband of 63 years. Howard and Patty married on December 21, 1955, in Kingsville. The Reese’s raised their family in Kingsville and were proud to do so.

There were few things that brought Patty more joy than the promise of an upcoming trip or vacation. Whether she was going abroad to Croatia, or pursuing a more local adventure courtesy of Rockport Tours, Patty treasured experiencing new places so very much. She meticulously curated photo albums of her many travels through the years and loved the opportunity to reminisce and share stories of her adventures. Regardless of her age, she ensured that she was always planning a trip somewhere – even if it was just to peruse the aisles of Wal-Mart or Bealls.

Patty was an incredibly involved member of the Kingsville community through her many decades here. From volunteering at the Visitor’s Center to attending Javelina football games, Patty was very much a part of the fabric of Kingsville. Patty was actively involved in Garden Club, Women’s Club, the First Christian & Methodist Churches, Texas A&I Alumni, and more.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents Helen & Kenneth Ruby, sister Frances Bishop, and husband Howard Reese. Patty’s family has comfort knowing that she has been reunited with them.

Patty is survived by her 2 daughters, Karen Reese of Corpus Christi and Sarah Martinez of San Antonio, granddaughter Katie Zuniga (Christian) of San Antonio, grandson Jacob Martinez of Houston, nephews Conner Bishop (Brenda) of Corpus Christi, Bill Bishop (Eliza) of Burnett, Randall (Becky) Mahon of Woodstock, nieces Sally Stedman of Brazoria, Laura Jones of Arlington, Phyllis Stedman of Brazoria, sisters in law Mary Mahon of Woodstock, Nancy (Cecil) Stedman of Brazoria, and many great nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 16 at 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church, 123 N 5th Street in Kingsville with a reception in the fellowship hall to follow. In celebration and in honor of the colorful life Patty lived, the family would love to see colorful attire for her service. Flowers may be sent to Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd., Kingsville.

The family of Patty Reese would like to thank Spohn Kleberg and Dr. OJ Rodriguez for the professional and compassionate care provided to Patty and family during her stay. The family also extends gratitude and thanks to Kingsville Hospice for their help in keeping Patty comfortable at home. Thanks also go to Turcotte-Piper for their efforts in organizing services for Patty in such a considerate, helpful manner. Lastly, the family appreciates the many friends who checked in on Patty; it’s evident she impacted many lives, and her presence will be sorely missed.