Gwendolyn Reeves

Gwendolyn Olsen MacCallum Reeves passed away following a sudden illness November 27, 2013 at Lovelace Regional Hospital surrounded by her family. Gwen was born February 20, 1923 in Alden, MN to Salve and Clara Olsen. A child of immigrants from Norway and Germany, she was raised on the family farm along with her eight siblings. As a child of the depression she learned the value of hard work and thrift early in life. Gwen joined the U.S. Navy in 1944 during World War II and was discharged in July 1945.

Gwen married C.B. Mac MacCallum on March 15, 1945. During his 22 year career in the U.S. Air Force they were stationed in Colorado, Wyoming, France, New Mexico and Germany. He preceded her in death in 1971.

Gwen worked for the U.S. Postal Service from 1965 to 1987, mainly as a front window clerk at the main post office, where she made many friends throughout the years. She retired with 22 years of service in 1987. During her working career she was active in ABWA where she was a charter member and past president. She was named Woman of the Year by ABWA in 198081. The Roswell Daily Record also named her Working Woman of the Year in 1982. She was active in Altrusa for 20 years and was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church since 1964.

Gwen married Victor J. Reeves on October 18, 1986. She and Vic traveled extensively and were active in many volunteer organizations. Vic passed away on July 2, 2005.

In October 2010, at age 87, she was honored by the Southeastern New Mexico Honor Flight with a trip, along with 35 other servicemen, to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. she considered it one of the highlights of her life.

In addition to her husbands, those preceding her in death were her parents, her brothers Agar, Clifford and Bernard, and her sisters Margaret, Emily, Dorothy and Darlene. She is survived by one remaining sister, Lavonne Berry Kay of Tulsa, OK. She was also preceded in death by her oldest son, Douglas MacCallum on June 8, 2012 in Omaha, NB..

She is survived by her sons, John MacCallum Joanne of Roswell, NM and Gregory MacCallum Deborah of Houston, TX, her daughterinlaw Beverly MacCallum of Omaha, NB and her stepsons Scott Reeves Deborah of Portales, NM and Dan Reeves Linda of Phoenix, AZ. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kelly Bowles Ben of Roswell, NM, Michael MacCallum Lane of San Tan Valley, AZ, Josh MacCallum of Papillion, NB, Diane Davidson of Omaha, NB, Krista Heinzerling of Farmington, MN and Lisa Barnhardt Jeremy of Scottsdale, AZ. She is also survived by her step grandchildren, Jeremy, Michael, Colin, Kevin and Jason Reeves. 14 great grandchildren also survive Gwen.

Our mom was the sweetest, most loving person we knew. She loved her family, her country and her God with all her heart. She was generous and saw only the good in everyone she knew. She is now in Heaven with her Lord and family, and she will remain in our hearts forever. Rest in peace Mima.

No services are scheduled per her wishes because she felt she celebrated her life with her friends and family on her 90th birthday in February 2013.

Anyone wishing to make a remembrance in her name should direct it to Trinity United Methodist Church, 1413 S. Union Avenue, Roswell, NM.

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