Robyn Renee “Reese” Garcia

The family of Robyn Renee “Reese” Garcia, 50, will greet friends and family for a visitation Thursday, April 29th from 6 – 8 p.m. and funeral 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 30, 2021 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Lawrence, where she will be laid to rest with her son Nathan Garcia. Robyn passed away, peacefully, in her sleep at her home on Tuesday, April 20, 2021.

Robyn was born on September 25, 1970 in St. Louis, MO, the daughter of Robert and Sara (Adame) Reese. She later moved to the Lawrence area with her mother and two younger brothers where she continued her high school education and created her family. She was a mother of six and a loving grandmother who enjoyed spending time with family. Robyn was a friend to all she came into contact with and enjoyed her Administrative Assistant position for KVC in Lawrence.

Survivors include her five children, Jessica (Erik) Schalk, Shawnee, Antonio Garcia, Lawrence, Justine Garcia, Lawrence, Steven Garcia, Olathe, Jordyn Garcia, Lawrence; two grandchildren, Addilyn, Quinn; two brothers, Mike (Leslie) Reese, Shawnee, Matt (Marie) Reese, Prairie Village; and numerous nieces and nephews. Her parents, and her son, Nathan Garcia, preceded her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made in Robyn’s name to Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. All contributions will be used for a new head stone for Robyn and Nathan.

21 Condolences

  1. Carrie Coffey on April 26, 2021 at 2:33 pm

    Jessica, Antonio, Justine, Stephen, and Jordyn ~ my heart is with you and my arms are always open to comfort you. May your memories and thoughts get you through the hardest times of your lives. Please know your Mother will be around you and letting you know she is close by.
    I will miss your Mother’s laugh, snorts, and pure goofiness but most of all I will miss her presence with family gatherings and her and Damion’s little game. Boy did she try to beat that guy but not sure if she ever did.
    My prayers are for the entire family, I know your hurting and I see the love this family has for each other and so glad to be in the loop with amazing wonderful people. Call, text, or message me and I will be ready to help any way I can. God Bless you kids, much love
    Carrie C.



  2. Keri Prichard on April 26, 2021 at 3:11 pm

    My years in the Guidance office at Southwest with Robyn include some of my fondest memories of work. I was a clueless newbie, and she helped me figure out SO many things – whether it was work or personal life. She made work fun and she was loved by all. I feel like I knew all of you kiddos from our regular conversations, and I know you were so deeply loved. Thinking of you all as you adjust to feeling that love in the universe without her physical presence here.

    Love,
    Keri



  3. Adriane Stevanov on April 26, 2021 at 4:31 pm

    Robyn is a very beautiful soul. Her sweet demeanor is eternal.



  4. Lisa Keys on April 26, 2021 at 5:19 pm

    I never met your sweet mother Justine – but all mamas are fiercely precious to us! Bekah & I have been keeping you & your family in our thoughts ea day ! Our condolences to you all ❤️



  5. Kendra/Mrs. Metz/Ms. Adams on April 26, 2021 at 5:26 pm

    Hard to believe such a bright light has been extinguished. I loved having Robyn as a parent at Woodlawn and as a colleague at SWMS. She was always funny and upbeat, and DANG did she love her kids!!! Love to all of you, and I’ll be sending you strength to get through all of this. ♥️



  6. Duane Mellenbruch on April 26, 2021 at 6:14 pm

    This news brings me unbelievable sadness. Robyn was a wonderful person. She brought joy to everyone during our years at Southwest. She problems that arose with ease, and with a smile. She was the perfect person to put people at ease when they went into the counseling office. I know she loved her family immensely. I’m praying for all of you. I know she is very proud of the legacy she leaves. God bless.



  7. Kathy Mayo Sposato on April 26, 2021 at 6:20 pm

    I just can’t believe you are gone Robyn. You were just a Beautiful, Kind soul and I sure will miss you. Much love to you always.



  8. Kayla Hedges on April 26, 2021 at 6:21 pm

    Dear Jessica, Antonio, Justine, Stephen, and Jordyn ~ My heart aches for you all. I never got the chance to meet Robyn but I know she will live on in each of you. Take your time and know my door is always open. I’m here if you ever want to talk. Antonio, I know we grew up knowing each other in high school mostly, but know I am only a conversation away. Justine, I had the pleasure of cleaning houses/working with you and I will always consider you a blessing in my life. I will always be here for you girl. I will keep you all and your family and friends in my thoughts. I’m so deeply sorry. Hugs to you all.



  9. Diannia Affalter on April 26, 2021 at 6:45 pm

    Robyn was a wonderful co worker. She and I had wonderful conversations about family and solving all the problems we found while being registrars at our two schools. She continued to help with our students while working at KVC. She was kind, thoughtful and loved her kids fiercely. Sending comfort as the family works through this difficult time.



  10. Emilie Yancey on April 26, 2021 at 6:45 pm

    Robyn was so fantastic at Southwest and I am so glad I had the opportunity to work with her. Always a smile and rarely flustered, she handled anything and everything. Her smile and laugh were infectious and will be fondly remembered.



  11. Nikki Rials on April 26, 2021 at 7:16 pm

    Raymond, Jessica, Antonio, Justine, Steven, and Jordyn-
    My heart breaks for you and so do the hearts of the Rials family. Our families have shared many fond memories for two generations now, and we know that family is everything. We are so saddened by Robyn’s passing. She always greeted with a smile and warm hug and she had a great sense of humor. We pray that God keep your hearts in His care as you walk through the difficult days ahead. We love you and are grateful for the good memories we share.



  12. Tami Radohl on April 26, 2021 at 10:07 pm

    I was shocked when I heard the news about Robyn. Like Keri mentioned, I worked with Robyn at Southwest Junior High School in the Guidance Office. We were a pretty tight knit team at the time–Harriet, Phyllis, Keri, Robyn, and I. Robyn always talked about her kids–there were always new stories and adventures that she shares on a daily basis. And, the students loved her! I remember students would get out of class, and would just sit in the guidance office and talk to Robyn as long as they could get away with it! Robyn was also passionate about her mom, Sara (who I also knew from Bert Nash), and the rest of her family including her many cousins. Her minivan was quite the taxi, and I swear she spent as much time in her van running kids around as she did at work. When I was pregnant with my first kiddo, and gave birth, she was so understanding and would give me tips on pregnancy and being a new parent. I remember her energy more than anything—and her positivity. I will miss her spirit and her smile. Gone too soon—but I can assure all that her kids and family gave her the most joy in her life. Rest in peace, my friend.



  13. Julie Rea on April 27, 2021 at 1:10 am

    This seems so unreal, I am so sorry for your sorrow as you mourn the loss of Robyn. I knew her as an admin. asst. when she worked at Southwest and oftentimes would see her in our neighborhood visiting family near Prairie Park. Her kids and grands meant everything to her. Please accept my condolences.
    Julie Rea



  14. Phyllis Lewin on April 27, 2021 at 10:40 am

    Robyn,

    So very sad to learn this devastating news. Robyn was “the glue” that kept our guidance office running smoothly. I can picture her talking to kids ( who loved her), answering the phone, and organizing us when anything had to get done.

    And yes, how she loved all of you: her wonderful children; she smiled whenever she talked about you.
    She was smart, funny at times, and always willing to help anyone who needed it. She was a tower of strength and a most compassionate person. She will be greatly missed. To all of you, her wonderful children, am thinking of you.. continue to make her proud.



  15. Janice Courtney 636-634-0460 on April 27, 2021 at 5:50 pm

    Dear Cousins:
    We are sorry for your loss. It is our loss too. You are all very dear to us. I know you will be alright. You are in our prayers. We love you. Love Cousin Janice



  16. The Novacek's on April 28, 2021 at 2:57 pm

    Robyn was a great women to be around and always made us feel welcomed. She was a great daughter, mom, sister and even better person. We are saddened by her sudden passing. I will always remember the good times with her and the joy that she brought to the world. Stay Strong Reese Boys.



  17. Caleb Stephens on April 28, 2021 at 3:51 pm

    Robyn was one of my favorite people to see and talk with at the KVC office. I’m so sorry for your loss. She was a good human.



  18. Teri Davenport (Keri's mom) on April 28, 2021 at 6:49 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Robyn was always so much fun to be around and I’m grateful I got to know her. I know you all have wonderful memories and I hope they will help you through this difficult time. She was one of a kind and will be truly missed!



  19. Kalup Rials on April 29, 2021 at 3:53 am

    I’m so sorry Garcia family,
    Robyn had a kindness and light in her like no other and she’ll always be missed. One of the greatest things I had the privilege to see in her was how much she cared for her family and friends and she helped instill that into all that was around her. She was so thoughtful and loving. Take care and God bless.



  20. Sonja Gaumer on May 3, 2021 at 11:38 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. Robyn and I worked together at Southwest many years ago. She was always so helpful and friendly. We shared many laughs together. May her memories warm your heart.



  21. Katie D on May 10, 2021 at 12:48 pm

    For 3 years I got to know Robin. I absolutely adored her and considered her a friend. She believed me when no one else did, she was a calming force for me. She will be greatly missed. I love you Robin. Thank you for believing in me and seeing the truth when so many others didn’t. Thanks for the hugs and encouragement and the non judgmental approach you had with me and so many countless others whom walked in the doors of the KVC office. You would of made a stellar caseworker. The office will never run smoothly again, you where the glue that held the place together. I’ll never drink a cup of coffee again with out thinking about the stash of Kcups you hid in the desk I would get you at Christmas. Rest easy.



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