Iva Lee Rees

In Loving Memory of Iva Lee Rees, who passed away Monday, May 18, 2025, at Aultman Women's Board Compassionate Care Center. 

Iva was born on December 4, 1935, in New Matamoras, OH. She was a 1953 graduate of Frontier High School of New Matamoras. 

Iva was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy Patterson; grandparents AD and Faye Heddleson; siblings Shelba Tunning, Marlene Patterson, and Charles Patterson. 

She is survived by her two sons, Jeffrey Yekel of Navarre, OH, and Dale Rees of Massillon, OH; grandchildren Nathan Rees, Kristin (Brett) Willis, and Shawn (Shauna) Rees; great grandchildren Tarhianna Rees, Tatum Rees, Keeley Rees, Harper Rees, Carson Rees, Braydon Willis and Kensley Willis from Arizona; siblings Darlene Judd of Navarre, OH, and Jo Ann Foster and George "JD" Patterson, both of Brewster, OH. 

Iva was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church of Massillon, OH. She worked for the Massillon State Hospital and retired after 35 years of service. While her family grieves her passing, they are grateful for the years they were given and the memories that will continue to guide and comfort them. Iva is not gone, only gone from our sight, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Memorial Services in Iva's honor will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, 11:00 AM, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 3061 Lincoln Way West, Massillon, OH 44647, followed by a gathering in the Fellowship Hall. Private inurnment will take place in Oakwood Cemetery of Massillon at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Epworth United Methodist Church. 

To share a memory of Iva, or to leave a condolence for her family, please visit the online guestbook.