Harriet Lee (Walrath) Reece, 86, passed away unexpectedly Monday, Oct. 31, 2016, at her home in Lewiston.

Harriet was born to Fairly John and Muriel Dorothy (Portfors) Walrath on May 25, 1930, in Orofino. When she was 3, her parents moved to Trenton, Tenn. They later moved to Centerville, Tenn., where sister Farrol Joan joined the family. They then moved to Lawrenceberg, Tenn., and brother Charles Portfors Walrath was born. When Harriet was in the first grade, the family moved to Oklahoma City and the family increased when Nina Ruth was born. In 1941, the family moved back to Orofino and in 1943 they moved to Headquarters.

Harriet's father was killed in a logging accident in 1945 and the family returned to Orofino, where they remained. Harriet's mother later remarried Vance Dobson and sister Kathy joined the family.

Harriet worked at the Clearwater Tribune in Orofino during high school, where her career in journalism began. She graduated from the University of Oregon with a bachelor of science degree in journalism.

Through their love of dancing, Harriet met William "Bill" Reece. They were married on June 14, 1953, in Orofino. They made their home in Cavendish, where they raised their three children, Lethco John, Rebecca Rae and Rachel Ann. When the children all reached school age, she returned to work at the Clearwater Tribune until her retirement as managing editor in 1988. During retirement, the couple enjoyed traveling, spending winters in Arizona and summers camping with the Fine Gold Camping Club. In 2005, Bill and Harriet moved to Lewiston.

Harriet had many passions in life and was involved in many aspects of any community she lived. Some of the committees and groups include Idaho State Library Board, State Mental Health Advisory Council, Idaho Hospital Association, Orofino Chamber of Commerce, American Association of University Women, Methodist women's groups, P.E.O., 4-H, Orofino Lumberjack Days, school bus driver, pianist/organist at Cavendish Methodist Church, and at the time of her death was still tickling the ivories at the Orchards United Methodist Church. She was very involved with her church families and her strong faith is what got her through many trials in life.

She is survived by her children, L.J. Reece of Lewiston and Becky West of Kennewick; sisters Joni Nunan (Pat) and Kathy Warnock (Mike); brother Chuck Walrath (Joanne); grandsons Aaron Reece and Clint West (Alissa); and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; daughter Rachel; sister Nina; and daughter-in-law Debbie Reece.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Nov. 12 at the Cavendish Cemetery, with a celebration of life to follow at 2 p.m. at the Orchards United Methodist Church in Lewiston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Chapter BL P.E.O., in care of Peggy Gage, 2035 13th St., Lewiston, ID 83501; or the Orchards United Methodist Church, 1213 Burrell Ave., Lewiston, ID 83501.

Please sign the online guest book at www.malcomsfuneralhome.com.

Service Information

Date & Time

Saturday, November 12, 2:00 PM

Location

Orchards United Methodist Church
1213 Burrell Avenue
Lewiston, Idaho 83501

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Additional Details

A graveside service will take place on Saturday, November 12, at 10:00 a.m. at Cavendish Cemetery

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