Mareese “Reesie” D. Smits
Mareese “Reesie” D. Smits, age 86 of Knoxville, PA passed away peacefully at home on Friday, June 17, 2022. Born on March 27, 1936 in Paris, KY, she was the daughter of the late Dock D. and Nina (Barr) Downing. She taught youth group at a Baptist Church in Paris, Kentucky where she was also a member of the church’s choir. Over the years she enjoyed many different careers and hobbies.
She was a home health care nurse, she worked at a beauty shop and she became a homemaker; spending her time with family and friends. Reesie enjoyed gardening, often messing around in her yard and flower beds. She enjoyed the beauty of all flowering plants including the pretty yellow flowering ones (Most folks just call them dandelions). She also loved drinking coffee at Lee’s Country Kitchen in Osceola, PA. She never knew a stranger and made friends with everyone.
She attended and was a member of the Valley View Assembly of God Church. Reesie is survived by her partner of 28 years, Charles H. Lingle of Knoxville, PA; son, Mark Yazell of Carlisle, KY; daughter, Kendra Philpot of FL; adopted children, Catherine of Knoxville, PA, Cheryl of Westfield, NY, David of Ellicott City, MD, and Jim Cutaiar of Nelson, PA; special dog-friends, “Pietje,” Diamond, and Mattie; seven grandchildren: Marti, Derek, Kelly, Travis, Megan, Chris and David; five adopted grandchildren, Charlie, Jonathon, Christopher, Rebecca, and Laura; ten great grandchildren; sister, Nellie Jones of Paris, KY; and brother, Doug Downing of Paris, KY.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, John Yazell; first husband, Kenneth Yazell, second husband Adrian Smits, daughter-in-law, Glenda Yazell and brother, Jackie Downing of FL. On Saturday, July 2, 2022, at 11:00 AM a graveside service was held at the Riverside Cemetery in Knoxville, PA with Pastor John Hardt officiating.
Visitation will be held at the Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home 1120 Main St., Paris, KY on Saturday, July 16th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. A memorial service will be held after at 12:00 PM at the funeral home with Pastor Russell Jones officiating. Immediately following will be burial at Paris Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to the Valley View Assembly of God Church, 207 Seeley St, Knoxville, PA. The funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home, 1120 Main St., Paris, KY. The online guestbook is at www.Lusk-McFarland.com
