Obituary: Reed, Shirley L.
After her childhood years in Utah, the family moved to North Idaho.
Shirley was the consummate home-maker and raised six children with her husband of 40 years, Roland Reed.
The family followed available work in the building trades throughout the Northwest, having made multiple moves between Oregon, Montana, and North Idaho.
In her latest years she settled in Spokane.
Setting aside her education, she got an early start to her family.
A proud moment was finally earning her G.E.D.
as a middle aged adult.
Shirley Reed loved serving others and her usual greeting was a smile and a hug.
Her passions were her family and her Christian ministry.
She was the family matriarch and remained strong through difficulty and tragedy, bolstered by her Christian faith.
She imparted her faith and love to her children.
She enjoyed hosting and attending family activities and events.
Despite her ever growing number of grandchildren, she tried to remember each birthday with a card and gift.
She tirelessly ministered to others.
Her own personal reading, study, and prayer resulted in leading several women’s Bible studies.
She also befriended neighbors, volunteered in church kitchens-feeding and clothing the poor, and helped resettle refugees.
Despite being of modest means, she was always generous with both money and time.
After a short illness, Shirley died peacefully at home on March 27, 2014.
She is survived by her two sisters, six children, seventeen grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren.
This Godly woman, who was an example for many, will be missed.
Her family lost her too soon, but with great expectation look forward to being reunited in Heaven.
A celebration of Shirley Reed’s life will be held at East Central Community Center, in the Senior Center, at 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 5, 2014.
It will be hosted by her home church, Jacob’s Well.
Memorial Contributions may be made to JWC Community Resource Center, 3016 E. 5th Av, Spokane, WA 99202 for ongoing work with refugees.