Emma B. (Herrera) Reese

Emma B. Reese, a resident of Farmington for 58 years, died Friday May 1, 2015, at her home with family around her. She was born in Springer, N.M. on August 2, 1916 to Patrocinia Carreon and Raphael T. Herrera. She was the fifth eldest of 14 children. Emma married Samuel L. Franks July 1935 in Eagle County, Colorado. They lived in Colorado and during World War II moved their little family to Washington, where they worked in the shipyards. Mom was the crew boss of 12 men welding on the war ships while dad was building the ships. Mom always said welding was easy as it was like crocheting. After the war they moved back to NM to be close to her folks. The family made their final move to Farmington in 1957, where mom attended Basin Beauty College with her daughter Beverly, who were taught by Emma's sister Betty Rayford. She and dad later owned their own businesses in Shiprock: a Beauty salon and laundry for 12 years, commuting every day. Emma married Charles T. Reese in November, 1970 in Aztec, who she worked with in the bowling business. They owned and operated Bowlero lanes and Brunswick lanes. They retired and sold the lanes in 1976. Bowlero Lanes is still family owned. Mom was a very accomplished woman. She took great pride in her children, grandchildren, home and yards. Emma participated in community work and was a member of the Elks Lodge. She was a member of the LDS Church where she participated in whatever she was called to do. In her later years she was called to write to local missionaries, many so far from home. She took this most serious, never missing a month. She was an avid bowler in her younger years and was very competitive. She loved needle work, crocheting, knitting, sewing and painting. She then decided to take piano lessons at the young age of 89. She was a very voracious reader. Emma had unwavering faith in her testimony of her Savior. Emma is survived by her three daughters: Betty L. Stone (James), Paso Robles, California; Beverly M. Bentz, Farmington; Deborah R. Hoisington (Kerry,) Farmington. She was blessed with 11 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren. Also surviving Emma is one sister Rafie Hemby (Chuck), Las Vegas, Nevada and a brother/nephew, Billy Leeway, Espanola, NM. Emma is preceded in death by first husband Samuel L. Franks Aug. 4, 1972; on September 11, 2005, our beloved Charlie Reese, Emma's second husband, passed from this life. Then on March 5, 2013, her only son and our only brother, Thomas C. Franks (Rowdy) had to leave us. Emma was also preceded in death by her sisters Socorro, Maria Josefa (Josie), Margarita (Mary), Maria Aurelia (Betty) and brothers Alberto, Arturo, Juan Luis, Jose Luis, Leopoldo, Ricardo, Samuel, John. In honor of our Mother and grandmother, her family will greet friends at Brewer, Lee, and Larkin, 103 Ute St. on Thursday May 7th, from 6-8 pm. Mom's services will be held on Friday May 8th at 10:00 a.m. with visitation from 9:00 - 9:45 at the LDS Chapel, 4400 College Blvd. Farmington. Services will follow in the Chapel. Those who wish to send flowers may. But mom would much more prefer that you do something special for your family! Mom so loved her family unconditionally, she was loyal to them all. Mommy you are our Everything! Emma's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute Street, Farmington, (505) 325-8688.