Obituary for Barbara Ann Reed
Barbara Ann Braithwait (Russell) Reed passed away January 28, 2021, at her home with family by her side.
Barbara was born at home in Osawatomie, Kansas, on August 14, 1928, to John Ralph and Rena Ann (Lee) Braithwait. Her parents returned to their hometown of Bolivar, Missouri, when she was one year old. She graduated from Bolivar High School in 1946. On July 5, 1948, she was queen of the Simón Bolívar Celebration, when the statute of Simón Bolívar was dedicated. At the celebration in Bolivar, she met President Harry S. Truman, the president of Venezuela, and actress Gloria Swanson.
She married Donald B. Russell later in 1948, and moved to Nevada, Missouri. They had three children, John Bentley, Patricia Ann, and Susan Lee. She married L. Wayne Reed in 1969, who had two children, Barry and Debi. After their marriage, Barbara and Wayne moved to Springfield in 1971, when Wayne took a teaching position at Reed Junior High School. Barbara completed her BSEd and MSEd at Southwest Missouri State and began the career she loved, teaching children at Fremont and Jeffries elementary schools.
Barbara loved and honored God all her life. Barbara was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church of Nevada and then of Wesley United Methodist Church for nearly 50 years, where she sang in the choir and made countless apple pies. She was also an active member of Chapters DW and IA of the PEO Sisterhood for over 67 years. She particularly valued the friendships she made with members of the Wesley United Methodist Women Miriam Circle, the Finding God through Book Studies Group, and the PEO Sisterhood.
Barbara cared deeply about her family, friends, and the communities in which she lived. She had a passion for helping others, volunteering her time and energy to help many non-profit organizations over the years, including serving as a board member of the Nevada City Hospital and volunteering at Crosslines in Springfield.
Barbara was beautiful inside and out. She was compassionate and selfless in her relationships. Her family and friends felt her love, support, and guidance throughout their lives. She was a strong woman, who handled life’s opportunities and challenges with courage, determination, and grace. She lived her life as an example to all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 37 years, Wayne, her parents, brother William Vance “Bill” Braithwait, infant sister Janet Lee Braithwait, and step-granddaughter Jade Curry. She is survived by her sister Judith Kay Wood (Jim), son John Russell (Judi), daughters Patty Breckenridge (Bryan) and Susan Brashears (Doug), step-son Barry Reed, and step-daughter Debi Hill (David). She is also survived by her five grandchildren Michael Russell, Brad Russell, Tami Sauseda (Joe), Genie Chrisphonte (Marceau) and Rey Reed (Patricia), her twelve great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins, who all brought joy to her life.
Her family would like to thank the staff of Montclair Senior Living Apartments and her personal caregivers for their loving care.
Barbara’s memorial service is private due to COVID, however, it will be live-streamed on the Herman Lohmeyer Facebook Page for everyone on Saturday, February 6, at 11:00 a.m. https://www.facebook.com/Hhlohmeyerfuneralhome/
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Wesley United Methodist Church in Springfield, PEO Chapter IA for Cottey College, or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut Street, Springfield, Missouri 65806.
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.
Barbara was born at home in Osawatomie, Kansas, on August 14, 1928, to John Ralph and Rena Ann (Lee) Braithwait. Her parents returned to their hometown of Bolivar, Missouri, when she was one year old. She graduated from Bolivar High School in 1946. On July 5, 1948, she was queen of the Simón Bolívar Celebration, when the statute of Simón Bolívar was dedicated. At the celebration in Bolivar, she met President Harry S. Truman, the president of Venezuela, and actress Gloria Swanson.
She married Donald B. Russell later in 1948, and moved to Nevada, Missouri. They had three children, John Bentley, Patricia Ann, and Susan Lee. She married L. Wayne Reed in 1969, who had two children, Barry and Debi. After their marriage, Barbara and Wayne moved to Springfield in 1971, when Wayne took a teaching position at Reed Junior High School. Barbara completed her BSEd and MSEd at Southwest Missouri State and began the career she loved, teaching children at Fremont and Jeffries elementary schools.
Barbara loved and honored God all her life. Barbara was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church of Nevada and then of Wesley United Methodist Church for nearly 50 years, where she sang in the choir and made countless apple pies. She was also an active member of Chapters DW and IA of the PEO Sisterhood for over 67 years. She particularly valued the friendships she made with members of the Wesley United Methodist Women Miriam Circle, the Finding God through Book Studies Group, and the PEO Sisterhood.
Barbara cared deeply about her family, friends, and the communities in which she lived. She had a passion for helping others, volunteering her time and energy to help many non-profit organizations over the years, including serving as a board member of the Nevada City Hospital and volunteering at Crosslines in Springfield.
Barbara was beautiful inside and out. She was compassionate and selfless in her relationships. Her family and friends felt her love, support, and guidance throughout their lives. She was a strong woman, who handled life’s opportunities and challenges with courage, determination, and grace. She lived her life as an example to all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 37 years, Wayne, her parents, brother William Vance “Bill” Braithwait, infant sister Janet Lee Braithwait, and step-granddaughter Jade Curry. She is survived by her sister Judith Kay Wood (Jim), son John Russell (Judi), daughters Patty Breckenridge (Bryan) and Susan Brashears (Doug), step-son Barry Reed, and step-daughter Debi Hill (David). She is also survived by her five grandchildren Michael Russell, Brad Russell, Tami Sauseda (Joe), Genie Chrisphonte (Marceau) and Rey Reed (Patricia), her twelve great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins, who all brought joy to her life.
Her family would like to thank the staff of Montclair Senior Living Apartments and her personal caregivers for their loving care.
Barbara’s memorial service is private due to COVID, however, it will be live-streamed on the Herman Lohmeyer Facebook Page for everyone on Saturday, February 6, at 11:00 a.m. https://www.facebook.com/Hhlohmeyerfuneralhome/
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Wesley United Methodist Church in Springfield, PEO Chapter IA for Cottey College, or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut Street, Springfield, Missouri 65806.
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.