Reed, Evelyn Ruth

Evelyn Ruth Reed, 100, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012.

She was born to Pastor John Wesley and Georgianna Curry Collins on July 1, 1912, in St. Paul, Minn. Evelyn was united in marriage to Cecil A. Reed on Jan. 5, 1936; they were married for 70 years at the time of Cecil's death in August 2006.

She is survived by her son, Richard (Sandra) Reed; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Cecil; a daughter, Carole; two sons, David and Michael; two sisters, Murlyn and Charlotte; and two brothers, James and John W. “Jo Etta” Collins.

Evelyn was a member of The Church of Christ, where she faithfully attended until her health would not allow.

Evelyn worked beside her husband and supported him in a number of business endeavors, including Reeds Floor Sanding and the Sepia Motel. She received a degree in business management which enabled her to handle the bookkeeping, payroll and tax preparations. She belonged to many civic organizations. Many times she spoke with Cecil on the race relations at local churches and venues in Cedar Rapids. Later Cecil was elected to the Iowa Legislature, and the family moved to Des Moines. As her husband's career in government continued they relocated to Kansas City, Mo.

Upon retirement, they returned to Cedar Rapids. Evelyn was a dedicated wife and mother.

Her memory will be cherished by her children, grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Please leave a message for the family on the Web page www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.

The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the Alzheimer's Association.

Memorial services: 1 p.m. Saturday at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, where visitation will begin at noon. Private inurnment: Oak Hill Cemetery. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Published Aug. 27, 2012 in The Gazette