REES, Weslene

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Wednesday, January 18, 2012 Weslene Rees, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012, at Marley House in Prescott, Ariz. Weslene resided in Prescott at the Las Fuentes assisted living center for the last two years. She passed away peacefully at the age of 88 following a stroke. She was born Oct. 6, 1923, in Smiley, Texas, to Walter Burnett and Edna (Billings) Robinson. She grew up in Texas and Arizona, graduating from Prescott High School in 1942. She is preceded in death by her husband, Herbert D. Rees Sr. She is survived by her four children Linda (Rocky) Rhea, Shirley (Gary) McGee, Herbert (Dave) (Su) Rees Jr. and Daniel Rees. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren, William (Michelle) Teeling, Deanna Teeling, Tod (Julie) Rees, Lindsey (Jeff) Kirkeby, Sara McGee, Sally (Steve) Evans and Rebecca Rees, as well as three great-grandchildren, Sienna Teeling, Liam Teeling and Dylan Teeling. Weslene was a rancher and homemaker in Chino Valley, Ariz., for 60 years. Before marrying Herbert in January 1949, she was a "Rosie the Riveter" in Goodyear, riveting airplanes during WWII. That led to her joining the Army from Nov. 24, 1943, through Feb. 7, 1946, with the last year of duty at Fort Winfield Scott in California. She was a WAC (Women's Army Corps) with a specialty in Automotive Equipment Operation. She drove Army vehicles up to 1 1/2 ton trucks transporting supplies and personnel on Army posts in the continental United States. She made trip tickets, and was responsible for preventive maintenance of her vehicle. Upon leaving the army, she returned to Chino Valley and worked as a clerk in a grocery store as well as driving the school bus. She was never the type to back away from anything. She always took things on with such strength and assurance. She taught us strength, love and unity. She touched every life she came in contact with and will be greatly missed by all. Memorial contributions may be made in Weslene's name to Good Samaritan Society - Marley House, 1065 Ruth St., Prescott, AZ 86301. Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Information provided by survivors.