Reed, Burnita

Burnita Reed, of Independence, formerly of Winthrop, entered into her eternal rest on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013, at Buchanan County Health Center in Independence, just 10 days short of her 98th birthday.

Burnita Faith Boies was born Nov. 24, 1915, in Quasqueton to H. Glen and Leta (Gaylord) Boies. She graduated from Independence High School, attended Iowa State Teachers College and received her BA degree from Upper Iowa University.

Burnita married L. Graydon Reed in 1938 in Oelwein. She taught elementary school in Winthrop for many years. Burnita and Graydon had two sons, Larry A. and William G. Reed.

Following Graydon's death in 1997, she moved to Oak View Retirement Community in Independence.

Survivors include one son, Bill (Paulette) of Springville; and five grandchildren, Jason Reed (Holly), Aaron Reed (Andrea), Dr. Valerie Hickman (Shea), Dr. Sylvia Schreiner (Scott) and Alycia Reed.

Also surviving are three great-granddaughters, Lisa, Genevieve and Mary Reed; a sister, June Benz; a brother, Donald Boies; a sister-in-law, Lois Boies; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; one son, Larry; one sister, Marian McNeal; and five brothers, Horace, Gaylord, Herbert, Robert and Richard Boies.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Church of Christ United in Winthrop. Friends may call from 4 until 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, at Fawcett Funeral Home in Winthrop, and after 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

Fawcett Funeral Homes and Cremation services of Winthrop is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send an online message go to under obituaries.

Published Nov. 17, 2013 in The Gazette