Delorise Pauline (Burton) Reeves

Dee/Grandma D, age 87, entered eternal life on August 15, 2016.  She was born on February 26, 1929 to parents Lester and Sarah Burton.  Dee was one of eight children: Lillian, Harold, Esther, Delbert, Lorraine, Maxine and Bob.  In 1945 she married Joe Bates.  They had three children; the marriage ended in divorce in 1964.  Dee met Harry Reeves at Boeing and they married in 1967.

Dee's family was her most prized possession.  The Burton girls were together every chance they had.  The children thought of them as "The Fearsome Foursome."  Dee and her sisters were Ninja Aunts, never failing to catch you when you were doing or saying something inappropriate.  Her favorite time every year was the Logger's Jubilee in Morton at Maxine and John Hacker's log cabin.  The sisters could be found laughing in the kitchen, enjoying having their families together.

Her spirit is carried on by three children, seven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.  Son Larry Bates (Cris), grandchildren Erik, Kerry and James. Son David Bates, grandchildren Andrea and Pauline.  Daughter LeeAnn Tiede (Tom Jr.), grandchildren Matthew and Kirstin, as well as many nieces, nephews, family and friends too numerous to list.

Dee was happy that she was able to live out her days in her home.  This was possible due to the love and support of many family members and great friends Michelle, Michael and Marco. She loved to garden, play tennis and for a short period tried her hand at golf.  She was a member of a Dirt Bike Club, who were active in camping and doing bike runs to get the best poker hands.  Dee became lifelong friends with Agnes. Their outings included attending shows at the 5th Avenue Theater and frequenting the Original Bakery after walks through Lincoln Park.

Always inclusive, Dee joyously welcomed anyone into her home and family.  Everyone who spent time with her was bound to feel loved and accepted without judgement.  She often went out of her way to take family members to classes, appointments, interviews and anything else that was needed.  She never said no.

We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Dee.  Among them; Rats cannot survive after being struck by a rock catapulting from a slingshot.  Shining a flashlight in a family members' eyes never ceases to be a great source of entertainment.  Never say no to pet setting, but while in your care feed them as many table scraps as possible.  Expect your dogs to be pleasantly plump upon your return.  Stay young at heart and flirt with as many cuties as possible. No conversation is off limits.  If your first phone call goes unanswered, continue to call until they answer.  Persistence is key.  Always take the time to choose the perfect witty/sentimental birthday card for everyone you love.  Never let a day go by where you don't laugh. Be active, play tennis and bowl ferociously. Maintain lasting friendships.  Strive to complete all of the puzzles.  Never say no to a board game with your family.  Thermostats have a mind of their own, they cannot be trusted.  Give to every charity that asks.  Swear that you haven't donated to any, and act confused as to why they are sending you calendars.  Attend church at least once a week and help out with whatever is needed.

Dee was everyone's biggest supporter and will be missed fiercely.  She is reunited with her husband Harry, the Fearsome Foursome and many loved ones.  Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.

I can hear her now, watching us from above..."Harry, it's my turn to watch what I want!"

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.