Joann Elaine (Green) Riess Reynolds

Joann E. Riess Reynolds, 88, of Battle Creek and formerly of Ellenton, Florida died at NorthPointe Woods / Pineview Assisted Living on Wednesday, July 13, 2016.

Joann Elaine Green was born May 28, 1928 in Rantoul, Illinois to Lloyd and Ruth (Gordon) Green. She was a 1945 graduate of Vicksburg High School and received her Bachelor's Degree from Michigan State University. Joann retired from Woodlawn Nursery School after 22 years of loving service.

Joann married Richard G. Riess on September 9, 1950 and he preceded her in death on February 18, 1989. Joann married Jack A. Reynolds on June 23, 1991 and he preceded her in death on August 14, 2010. Joann was also preceded in death by her son Kenneth Richard "Ken" Riess who was born February 20, 1952; and died on November 1, 2013.

Surviving are her grandchildren, Shelley (Matt) Scoles of Richland, MI, Kevin Riess of Battle Creek; Justin (Melissa) Livingston of Denver, CO, Cody (Katie) Livingston of Kalamazoo, Tanner (and his fiancé, Alley White) Livingston of Elkhart, IN; great-grandchildren, Victoria Riess, Caleb and Luke Scoles, Nolan, Drake, Aiden, Georgia and Amelia Livingston; stepdaughter, Christy (Jim) Livingston of Battle Creek; daughters-in-law, Judith Riess of Battle Creek and Vikki Riess of Clermont, FL; and brother, Robert (Joyce) Green of Vicksburg and their children, Cindy and David.

Joann was a longtime member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school for 30 years. She taught ballroom dancing when she attended Michigan State University. She was a member of A.A.U.W. American Association of University Women. Joann was a former Cub Scout Leader. She enjoyed living at NorthPointe Woods, where she was an Ambassador and a member of the Bell Ringers. Joann loved crossword and jigsaw puzzles, movies, and reading. As a knitter for over 60 years she made Christmas stockings for newborn babies and newlyweds. Her favorite creations were knitted outfits representing countries around the world. She recently fell in love with coloring, making cards and decorations using her artwork. Joann will be remembered for her love of life, family and friends.

Friends will be received 12:00-1:00 p.m. Monday, July 18, 2016 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where funeral services for Joann will be officiated by Pastor Chad Parmalee 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 18, 2016. Committal and interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church Children's Ministry, 157 Chapel Hill Drive, Battle Creek, MI 49015. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.