Betty Reece, age 92, passed away on January 15, 2025, at Margaret Mary Hospital in Batesville, IN.  Betty was born in Grayson, Kentucky on December 17, 1932, the daughter of James T. Kitchen and Lillian Pence Kitchen Smith.

She was united in marriage, at her home in Metamora, to Ray Reece on October 30, 1950.  The shared 47 years of marriage prior to his death in 1997.  They were blessed with three children.

She was a longtime member of the Chapel Missionary Baptist Church where she loved teaching Sunday School to the youngsters.  She retired after 30+ years from Sperry Rubber and Plastics.  When not working she enjoyed listening to Elvis, Bluegrass, or Gospel music, reading romance novels or cooking for her family.  Betty and Ray enjoyed traveling in the South and exploring Southern Plantations.  Her favorite pastime was the times she spent with all of her grandchildren.

Her memories will be cherished by her daughter, Jeanette (Mike Brandes) Reece; daughter-in-law, Sharon Reece; grandchildren, Anissa, Lisa (Chris "Shag"), Shanda, Nathan, Monica and Brian; great grandchildren, Deondrae, Devin, Cody, and Jaden; great-great grandchildren, Daegan, Ashlyn and Skye; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by two children, Sheila Murray and James "Big Jim" Reece; siblings, Neil Kitchen, Donald Kitchen, Frances Brandenburg and Ida Mae Kitchen and three great grandchildren, Brandon, Alyssa, and Skylar.

Friends and family may gather on Wednesday January 22, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th Street, Connersville.  Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm at the funeral home.  Betty will be laid to rest at Laurel North Cemetery.