Orvilene (Brosseau) Reel, 92, of Crane, Missouri passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 8, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was a lifelong resident of Stone County, born April 12, 1933 to Orville and Zelma (Nelson) Brosseau. She loved the Ozarks and its beautiful vistas, which included the farm that was homesteaded in the late 1800’s by her grandparents, John Baptist and Theresa (Teece) Brosseau.
She married Carl “Rusty” Reel on July 29, 1950 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. They celebrated nearly 64 years of marriage.
Family and friends were very important to her. She never missed a chance to celebrate something, attend an event large or small, have a get together, or even just send a card. If you were “lucky” enough, you might have even received one of her microwave pineapple upside down cakes she was known for gifting!
Orvilene owned and operated the Reel Sewing Basket during the 1970’s. Later, she decided to make a final career by becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Aurora Community Hospital. She at one time had aspirations of becoming a nurse, but enjoyed the assistant position just the same.
Her love of travel became her hobby. She especially loved her drives on the most narrow, hilly and winding roads of Stone County, which would lead her to Barry County and ultimately Arkansas. She never feared she might have to go to a stranger’s door for assistance while on her explorations. Her phone, which may or may not have had service, her can of Aqua Net hairspray, her flashlight, and her hammer would keep her safe. Her goal in life was to drive on every road in the nation, many of which she did.
Those surviving her are daughters, Carlene (Byron) Hunter of Neosho, MO and Monica (Jim) Vaught of Crane, MO.
Grandchildren are Allison (Chad) Lind of Neosho, MO, Heidi Vaught (Coy Burton) of Clever, MO, Ethan Vaught (Hannah Owens) of Crane, MO, and Olivia (Michael) Rose of Springfield, MO.
Great Grandchildren are Lydia and Hunter Lind of Neosho, MO, Logan Vaught, Kaidyn Rasmussen, Berklie Rasmussen, and Maci Burton of Clever, MO, and Anna Rose of Springfield, MO.
Orvilene was preceded in death by her husband, Carl “Rusty” Reel, her parents, Orville and Zelma (Nelson) Brosseau, and her brother and sister-in-law, Lonnie and Donna (Plank) Brosseau.
She leaves behind a host of family and friends whose memories she treasured greatly.
Funeral services will be held Friday, October17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial in Crane Community Cemetery will follow the services. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m.
