early life

brought up on the estate known as Red Bank in fashionable Morristown, NJ. The maternal side of her family had ben established there for many generations beginning with the Spingler-van Beurens who were early real-estate tycoons of Manhattan. The family had once owned farmland on Manhattan in the area that was later incorporated into the City of New York (W. 14th st .area; 22+ acres) To maintain their desire to have rural land and a healthy yellow-fever-free retreat, some descendants transplanted to Nj where properties and new estates were secured. One was over several square miles (according to wikipedia 'Frederick T. van Beuren) Another pertinent surname is Bonsall who were also part of the Spingler/van Beuren {later Reynolds} heritage. All this profiles are part of the tree here on Geni.

obituary

Josephine “Joey” Thomas Reeve

90, Southern Arizona rancher and horse breeder, died October 14, 2003 at her home on the San Cayetano Farm†† near Tumacacori, AZ.

The daughter of Seth E. Thomas, Jr. and Josephine van Beuren Reynolds Thomas of Morristown, NJ, she moved to Tucson in 1947 where she married her second husband, Richard Reeve (deceased). They purchased the rugged Bellota Ranch, east of Tucson, in 1949, and expanded it to over 100,000 acres – one of the largest in Southern AZ. The ranch was the subject of an award winning film documentary about traditional cowboying and ranching methods titled “Bellota – A Story of Round-up” produced by Mrs. Reeve’s nephew, Philip L. Spalding of Los Angeles, CA. They sold the Bellota Ranch in 1978 and purchased the San Cayetano Farm that same year.

Joey’s real passions were horses and dogs. She developed a line of sought after quarter horses bred for their superior ability to work cattle in rough country. Her foundation mare was a Thoroughbred descended from a line developed by her father. Joey forgot more about horses and horsemanship than most people learn in a lifetime, and she shared her knowledge with her friends and people who boarded their horses at her farm.

Her dogs were “her people”. They slept on her bed and went with her wherever she went. For many years she and her husband, Richard, were active and successful on the field trial circuit with their Labrador Retrievers. Beautiful as a young woman and elegant in her later years, Joey had a presence that could only be described as regal. She stood straight and easily took command of people, dogs and the horses she rode – and she always rode good horses.

Right or wrong, she was never in doubt. She could be a charming conversationalist and had a wicked sense of humor that endeared her to many. She loved being the center of attention. While she often looked and spoke as though she had just walked out of a New York drawing room, she wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty doing ranch work. Her cowboys gave her grudging respect for her work in the corrals during round-ups. She knew what she was doing. She had many friends in high places and could “soar with the eagles”.

She also had many friends and admirers among ordinary people who looked up to her and were inspired by her strength of character and her style. She was able to live her life on her own terms and did so until the end. Mrs. Reeve was a member of the Mountain Oyster Club, the San Diego Yacht Club, The National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of Arizona, The American Quarter Horse Association, The Arizona Cattle Growers Association and the Tubac-Amado Cowbelles. Also, various state and national Labrador Retriever clubs.

Mrs. Reeve’s survivors include her two daughters, Jenifer J. (John) Kulseth and Josephine “Reyn” (Peter) Voevodsky; five grandchildren, John R. “Juan” Louer, Katharine “Kathy” (Jim) Kimbrough, Steven (MaryAnn) Voevodsky, Michael (Therese) Voevodsky all of Tucson, and Thomas “Tom” (Molly) Louer of Phoenix; and great-grandchildren, Tyler and Karly Kimbrough, Hanna Voevodsky, Paule and Mia Voevodsky of Tucson, and Lindsey and Lauren Louer of Phoenix; and nephew, Philip L. Spalding of Los Angeles; his sons, Seth and Matthew; and his granddaughter, Eve.

A small private family service is planned at the farm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to B.A.R.K. (Belle Animal Rescue Kennels), Box 14215, Tubac, AZ 65646 or to Planned Parenthood of Southern Arizona, 2255 N. Wyatt Dr., Tucson, AZ 85712, or to a charity of one’s choice.

update 2023

†† San Cayetano Farm
This company states they offer:
San Cayetano Ranch is a premier horse boarding facility and outdoor events venue that sits on 150 acres of pristine bermudagrass pastures. We specialize in horse boarding and care, special events like weddings, receptions, retreats and more, and naturally-grown bermudagrass hay bales. Contact us for more info!
Business Details
Location of This Business
31 Santa Gertrudis Lane, Tumacacori, AZ 85640
BBB File Opened:
2/27/2018
Business Management
Ms. Alexis Finley, Owner
Contact Information
Principal

Ms. Alexis Finley, Owner
Customer Contact
(520) 221-3738

azranchosancayetano@gmail.com

Ms. Alexis Finley, Owner