REESE, Hovey

HOVEY REESE 1937 ~ 2026 Hovey Reese, of Milk River, Alberta, passed away surrounded by love on March 14, 2026, at the age of 88 years.
Hovey was born on April 4, 1937, in Lethbridge. He spent most of his life on the farm on top of Verdigris Coulee, raising cattle and growing crops, first with his dad and brother Ken, and then his sons. They also had land on the Milk River Ridge and sold the calves at Fort McLeod every fall.
Hovey took grades 1-8 in Milk River, and grades 9-12 in Red Deer. He then went to the University of Saskatchewan, graduating with a Diploma in Vocational Agriculture. Hovey’s time at the U of S was some of his happiest. He was class president, made life-long friends, and met the love of his life Elizabeth (Betty) Kirkland.
Hovey and Betty were married on a cold January day in 1960, at Star City, Saskatchewan, Betty’s hometown. Their household was busy, with five kids in activities, a farm to run, and involvement in community groups. They enjoyed potlucks with neighbours and friends, and many a topic was debated over coffee at the kitchen table.
They enrolled all of their kids in the Warner 4-H Beef Club. Hovey was the leader for 8 years, emphasizing the importance of the public speaking program. This legacy has carried on through the Reese generations. For years, Hovey could be seen up in the grandstand at the Lethbridge Exhibition, MC-ing the regional 4-H show.
With his 6’4, broad-shouldered stature, Hovey naturally commanded respect. It was his public speaking and leadership skills though that helped him during his years as a Councilor and School Trustee for the County of Warner. He also served on the Chinook Regional Health Board.
His rocking chair always had a pile of newspapers beside it and the Weather Channel was on in the background. He loved a good slice of pie, a waltz with Betty, crib down at Heritage Hall, and was always ready to offer a beer and clamato. He loved to tease. In retirement, Hovey could still be found driving the combine every fall.
Hovey was pre-deceased by his loving wife of 44 years, Betty, and their infant son, Roger John, as well as his parents, John and Amanda. Left to carry on his legacy of hard work; respect of education, leadership and the land; and dedication to family and community is his son Kevin (Toni) Reese and grandchildren Nicole (Owen), Andrew (Denise), Evan; son Perry (Lavonne) Reese and grandchildren Brant (Janet), Quentin; daughter Mary-Lou (Blaine) MacMillan and grandchildren Kelsey (Kyle), Janeece (Clark), Hilary, Lucas (Venus); daughter Nancy (Mike) Numan and grandchildren Danielle, Samantha, Mackenzie; and daughter Megan (Tom) Terrill and grandchild Fraser. Hovey will also be remembered by his 19 great-grandchildren; brother Ralph (Rosalie), sister Kaye, brother Ken (Jane); brother-in law Bob (Caroll) Kirkland; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
For more than a decade, Hovey lived at St. Michael’s Health Centre in Lethbridge, first in supportive living and then long term care. His family sends deepest thanks for the care Hovey received over the years.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the St. Michael’s Health Centre, Lethbridge.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Coutts Civic Centre, 105 Centre St, Coutts, AB.
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.