Mary Lou Reese

Mary Lou Reese (Hickman), 77, passed away on January 28, 2026, in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. Born on July 31, 1948, in Kellogg, Idaho, she spent her life rooted in the Silver Valley Community that shaped her values and spirit.

Mary graduated from Kellogg High School in 1966 and began a lifelong journey of hard work and compassion. Her career reflected her dedication to both service and creativity. She worked at Barney’s Supermarket in Pinehurst Idaho and Spokane Washington, as well as YJ Foods in Coeur d’ Alene Idaho. Later she ran her own Craft Shop in Coeur d’ Alene. Her passion for arts and crafts was more than a hobby - it became a livelihood and a way to connect with others.

Later in Life Mary found deep purpose in caregiving. She worked at Loyalton Assisted Living before transitioning to private care for the elderly and disabled - a role she continued until the onset of her illness. Her commitment to helping others was not just a profession but a calling that defined much of her adult life.

Mary was born into a close-knit family and remained deeply connected to them throughout her life. She was the daughter of Merle Hickman and Ann Roberts. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Reese; her brother Terry Hickman; her sister Helaina Meyers; her children David McGregor and his wife Carla, Mark McGregor and Stephanie McGregor; her step children Scott Reese and his wife Mary, Jeff Reese and his wife Lindsay; her grandchildren Kayla Gillespie and her husband Brent, Kimberly McGregor, Timothy Vinesett, Dylan McGregor, Mathew McGregor, Parker Jaramillo and his wife Emily, Joslyn McGregor, Ashley Roberts and her husband Tyler, Jackie Reese, Hailey Reese, Jake Reese, Brooke Reese, Cooper Reese, and Emersyn Reese; her great grandchildren Liz, Gavin, Nolan, Dominic, Luke, Nevaeh, Rylin, Madelyn, Kade and Kylan; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Merle O. Hickman, her mother, Ann Roberts, her step father John Roberts; her sisters, Gloria Alexander and Theresa Nutter.

In 1967, Mary married Rex McGregor with whom she had three children. Though they were divorced in 1983, their shared family remained an important part of her life. In 1986, she married Robert Reese, with whom she shared four decades of companionship until her passing.

Faith played an important role throughout Mary’s life. Raised Catholic before later attending Baptist churches in both the Silver Valley and Coeur d’Alene areas, she maintained a spiritual connection that guided her through life’s joys and challenges.

Mary will be remembered for her loving nature, generous heart, and unwavering dedication to those around her. Whether through crafting or caregiving, she touched many lives with kindness and grace.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time. Details will be shared with family and friends when arrangements have been finalized.

The Poem “A Letter From Heaven” written by Alena Hakala Meadows that Mary liked and shared to her family and friends.

“When tomorrow starts without me,

and I’m not here to see,

If the sun should rise and find your

eyes, filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn’t cry.

the way you did today,

While thinking of the many things,

we didn’t get to say.

I know how much you love me,

as much as I love you,

And each time you think of me,

I know you’ll miss me too.

When tomorrow starts without me,

don’t think we’re far apart,

for every time you think of me,

I’m right there in your heart.”