Rufus L. Reese

Rufus L. Reese, age 87, of Ulysses, Kansas died Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at Pratt Regional Medical Center in Pratt, Kansas. He was born January 10, 1930, in Benton, Arkansas, the son of Frank and Effie (George) Reese.

Rufus grew up in Arkansas. He moved to Garden City in 1957 to drive a truck. Rufus married Marilyn Mader in 1960 in Clayton, New Mexico. They moved to Ulysses in 1961 and Rufus went to work for T&L Irrigation. After retiring from T&L Irrigation, he enjoyed fishing and camping, and cheering for the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Kansas City Chiefs. 

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn of the home; sons, Bob Reese of Benton, Arkansas, Mike Martin of Kansas City, Kansas, John Martin of Ulysses, Kansas, and Rick Reese of Brighton, Colorado; daughters, Joan Reese of Benton, Arkansas, Sandy Lane of Ulysses, Kansas, and LeAnn Alcala of Pensacola, Florida; brother, Fred Reese of Ulysses, Kansas; 17 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren; and beloved pet, Sadie Rose.

Rufus is preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Julie Alcala; sisters, Ruby Coller, Helen Burks, and Eloise Kemp; and brothers, Charles Reese and James Reese.

Vigil and rosary service will be held Sunday, May 7, 2017, at 7:00 PM and funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 8, 2017, both at Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ulysses, Kansas with Reverend Peter Fernandez officiating. Interment will follow at the Ulysses Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday, May 7, 2017, from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association or Ulysses Animal Shelter in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880.