Dolores "Dee" Grace Ellis-Reise

Dolores (Dee) Grace Ellis-Reise (90) died peacefully at home surrounded by her family in Gainesville, VA. after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI on April 15, 1931. Dee graduated from Bay View High School followed by earning her bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy and Journalism from University of Wisconsin. Her life-long career in physical therapy started in Illinois working for the VA Hospital but she dedicated herself to her craft wherever she lived. Her physical therapy career was complimented by 10 successful years in real estate in which she earned many awards as top producer. Dee was a strong, independent and determined woman. Her love for others brought about her involvement in the Catholic Charities of Ohio and Connecticut where she opened her home and heart to temporary and permanent foster children. Dee loved life and believed in exploring and trying new things – food, travel, music and technology. Are there any other 90 year olds that text to say “Hi” to stay in touch with their children and grandchildren? She traveled the world throughout her life including a trip to Paris on the Concorde, an African safari in which she slept in the trees, stayed with a host family in Romania to immerse herself in the local culture in addition to many cruises from Alaska to New Zealand. Cape Cod, “the Cape”, held a special place in her heart for the summers she spent there with family, friends and loved ones. Dee was always active. She was an avid bowler, golfer, tennis player, baker and enjoyed gourmet cooking and loved entertaining. She loved live music, dancing, Broadway and off-Broadway plays, and always on the hunt for a bargain. Later in her retirement she enjoyed and led many activities - Cakes Galore, Bunco, Bridge and GoCo (to name a few) in her Heritage Hunt community. Dee was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She said many times how blessed she was to have been loved by two wonderful men in her life and have such a wonderful loving family. She is predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Warren Ellis, her parents, Phyllis and Joseph Bolan and her brother Joseph (Jim) Bolan (Mary Ann). She is survived by her husband of 17 years William Reise and her children Richard Ellis (Lisa) , James Ellis, Phyllis Ellis (Scott), Sarah Ellis (Wyatt), Jefferey Poidomani (Donna) and Jennifer Kosakowski Ellis and William’s five children Richard Reise (Victoria), Tom Reise (Janet), James Reise (Mary), Robert Reise, Linda Brainard (Robert) and twelve grandchildren (Bryant Ellam, Kelly Lippert, Michael Ellam, Drew Ellam, Nicolette Ellam, Elijah Whiteman, Indiana Whiteman, Scarlett Whiteman, Daniel Kosakowski, Patrick Reise, Ryan Reise and Conner Reise. She loved her extended family: nephew, Philip Chisholm (Jean), niece, Linda Hapka and nephew Craig Bolan and her pets Rusty and Penny. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Heritage Hunt Clubhouse ballroom in Gainesville Virginia on Saturday, July 17, 2021 from 10-2. Her final resting place will be in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at St. Adalbert Cemetery. A church service will be held on August 19, 2021 at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to SmileTrain. Dee contributed to many charities; however, SmileTrain was particularly special to her because she cared for and loved a foster child, Robbie, who was born with a cleft pallet and hair lip.

Dolores "Dee" Grace Ellis-Reise

April 15, 1931 - July 14, 2021