Karen Sue Reece, age 72, of Pevely, Missouri, passed away Sunday, April 18, 2021 at her home. She was born August 26, 1948 in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of the late Mildred (nee Burns) and Joseph Mercer. She is survived by her husband Larry E. Reece; daughters Laura Jo (Jerry) Handlang of Hematite, Missouri, Susan Ann Watson of Pevely, and Tina Marie Bates of Hillsboro; son Shannon Laird Reece of Hillsboro, Missouri; sisters Joette Wilkins of Kirkwood, Missouri, and Diane (Wayne) Brinkley of S. St. Louis County, Missouri; brothers David (Teresa) Mercer of S. St. Louis Co., and Kevin (June) Mercer of Festus; grandchildren Marisa Plager, Thomas “TJ” Plager, Cory (Marissa) Bates, Jessica (Nathan) Warren, Andrea (Eric) Bergsieker, and Amber (Brian Kirby) Huskey; great-grandchildren Henry Warren, Jake Govero, Alexis Bergsieker, Mia Bergsieker, Amora Bergsieker, and two on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews. Karen was a retired machinist and machine operator. Through her 44-year career she worked for the Spielberg Purse factory in Antonia, Missouri, Bussman’s and Robin Hood, and H-J Enterprises in High Ridge, Missouri. Visitation from 10:00 A.M. until the time of funeral services at 12:00 Noon Friday, April 23, 2021 at Vinyard Hillcrest Funeral Home in Pevely. Memorials in Karen’s memory are preferred to the American Cancer Society.