Mattie Marie Tannehill Reeves

1919 - 2016

Mattie Marie (Norton) Tannehill Reeves

Mattie Marie (Norton) Tannehill Reeves was born January 16, 1919 at the log cabin home of her parents Rev. Loyd and Lula (Smith) Norton near Lutie, MO in Ozark County. She passed away at 5:30 A.M. on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 in Springfield, MO.

She loved attending the one room country schools and churches growing up. May 1936 Mattie married Emery Tannehill and they were blessed with four children, Barbara June, Christene, Reba and Randy. Mattie's life was like the beautiful embroidery which she loved to work on like the pretty quilts she made for all her children and grandchildren that they treasure. Her family and friends who she dearly loved comprised the various patterns and colors to create her work of art "Her Life". She leaves a legacy of love and service to God and family. Mom had a caring spirit and heart of gold. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother. Her personality, love for others and work ethic were contagious and will live on forever. Dec 1980 Emery passed away. The year 1982 while Mattie was working at Dillard's Dept Store, a nice gentleman named George Reeves came into the tailor shop to have some alternations done on a suit, a few weeks later he ask her out to dinner. The rest of the story is some happy years together for a wonderful couple who loved to travel and enjoyed life together. Georges children are Jack, Lynn, Bill and Maureen. They were so good to Mattie and traveled from Washington State several times a year to visit her.

Mattie is survived by her daughters: Barbara June Burk, Willard, MO, Christene Lee, Summerville, South Carolina, Reba Davis, Springfield, MO; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She is survived by George's children: Jack Reeves and wife Susie, Vancouver, Wash, Lynn and husband George Naumowitz, Spokane, Wash, and Maureen and husband Rick Mortlock, Tenino, Wash; 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Mattie is also survived by her sister Faye and husband Marvin Wray, Ava, MO and many nieces, nephews, family and friends she loved dearly.

Mattie's life was an inspiration to all of her family and friends. She faithfully attended the First Freewill Baptist Church thru the years.

She was proceeded in death by the father of her children, Emery Tannehill; her son Randy Tannehill; her parents, Loyd and Lula Norton; her 2nd husband, George Reeves and his son, Bill Reeves; grandsons, Jeff Lee and Tommy Lee Jr.; her son-in-laws, Fred Burk Jr., Don Davis and Tommy Lee Sr.; her brothers, Elza, Marvin and Bill Norton and sister, Clemie Shanks.

A precious one is gone, a voice we loved in still. A place is vacant in our home, church and family which can never be filled. Mom was ready to leave this world, we can take comfort that she is now safe, at peace and in the presence of God. Heaven is a place of supreme joy. Mom is experiencing that joy now that she has been reunited with all those she dearly loved.

A visitation will be held Friday, April 15, 2016 from 5 till 7 P.M. in Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at White Chapel, 5234 W. St. Hwy EE (Division), Springfield, MO. Services will be Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. in the funeral home. Burial will be in Lutie Cemetery in Theodosia, MO. following the service.

Online condolences may be made at www.klingnerfuneralhome.com