Velma Mathilda Reece, 83, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, April 2, 1998, at St. Francis Medical Center.

She was born Nov. 17, 1914, at Fagus, daughter of Louis C. and Louella Proffer Jauch. She and Howard Reece were married May 18, 1941, in Jackson. He died Sept. 2, 1993.

Reece was a member of Lutesville General Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sons, Howard Reece Jr. of Cape Girardeau, Bill Reece of Murray, Ky.; two daughters, Betty McLain of Cape Girardeau, Evelyn Eaker of Bartlett, Tenn.; a sister, Josie Martin of Cape Girardeau; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son, a daughter, three brothers, two sisters, and two grandchildren.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel from 4-8 p.m. today.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the chapel, with the Rev. Darrel Jauch officiating. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery at Jackson.