Joan Reeves

Joan Lee Reeves, age 85, long time resident of Albuquerque, NM, passed away peacefully in her sleep Friday, May 1st - her husband Art's birthday who preceded her in death December 16, 2014. She was born April 22, 1930 to Mike and Lona Smith in Mankato, KS. Joan is survived by her children Christine Hethcock and husband Dan Miller of Denver, CO; David Reeves and wife Wendy of Albuquerque; Martin Reeves and wife, Tracy of Trujillo, Peru; step-sons Phil Reeves and wife Beth of Albuquerque; Don Reeves and wife Janet of Phoenix, AZ; brother Dave Smith and wife Rose (deceased); sister Victorine Brewster and husband Carl (deceased); sister-in-law Stephanie Smith and husband Murray (deceased); 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Joan was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Art; her son Steven Kitch; brother Murray Smith; sisters Patricia Smith and Jane Hall. Joan was raised in Kansas, and as the oldest of six kids, considered herself the boss. She studied and received her bachelor's degree at Kansas State University. After college, Joan was employed as a med tech in Minnesota when she met Art Reeves while visiting family in Albuquerque. Art and Joan quickly fell in love, were soon married, and lived in Albuquerque the rest of their days. Joan always placed others above herself. She was an amazing daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was always helping others spending time as a volunteer, teacher, coach, and mentor. Joan loved her husband of 56 years, sharing many adventures, joys and sorrows together. She took amazing care of Art. Even through his devastating disease of Alzheimer's the last few years of his life, she insisted she be his primary care-giver, taking care of him at home until his death. Joan had many genuine, close friends as she shared many passions with different people. Joan loved hot air balloons and crewed whenever she had the opportunity. She enjoyed playing bridge and was an avid tennis player (a founding member of the Tennis Club of Albuquerque), swimmer (long-time owners of Menaul Aquatic Club), and at only five feet, a formidable basketball player with the Canyon Nets. She traveled around the country playing tennis and basketball in regional, national, and international senior tournaments winning dozens of medals including medaling every time at the Senior Olympic Games. She skied into her 80's and annual ski trips were taken in New Mexico, Colorado or Utah, where she and Art would ski from lift opening to closing every day. Joan enjoyed traveling with her husband and family, and belonged to the Friendship Force of New Mexico which gave her the privilege of making new friends world-wide. Her travels took her all over the world, visiting all seven continents and at the age of 83, climbed to the top of Waynapicchu, Peru (overlooking the ruins of Machu Picchu). Joan lived out her faith in Jesus Christ through word and deed. She was a longtime member of Central United Methodist Church, the Partnership Class, and taught the Kindergarten Sunday School Class for 30 years. She was a 43 year volunteer with Meals on Wheels often recruiting her husband and children to deliver meals as substitute drivers. Joan challenged and inspired us to be our best. She has kept the faith, fought the good fight, and received the crown of righteousness from her Lord. A Memorial service will be held Friday, May 8, 2015 at 10:30 a.m., at Central United Methodist Church, 201 University Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM. A reception will be held following the service at the church. Please visit our online guest book at www.FrenchFunerals.com . Should friends desire, memorial contributions in lieu of gifts or flowers can be made to The Mission Society designating gifts to her son's ministry "Reeves 0266SUP" or "Milagro Project 0857." You may donate online at www.themissionsociety.org/people/reeves or send a check payable to The Mission Society, PO Box 922637, Norcross, GA 30010-2637.