Barbara Reed

BARBARA REED Anamosa Barbara Reed, 65, of Anamosa, went to her heavenly home on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House, Hiawatha. Her personal relationship with Christ gave her peace and comfort during her brave battle with cancer. Memorial services: 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, at Antioch Christian Church, Marion. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday before the service at the church. Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Marion; children, Jennifer (Aaron) Edson and Randy (Tiffany) Reed; grandchildren, Brooke Sargent, Cody and Tyler Edson, and Rylee Reed; siblings, Snooky, Charlie, Pat, Paulie, Kathy, Deb, Kevin, Raymond and Russ; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. Barbara Colleen Reed was born to the late William and Ida (Conner) Otto on Sept. 3, 1951. She grew up with 10 siblings on a farm near Randalia. She graduated from West Central High School in Maynard. Barb enjoyed telling stories of her childhood. Although life on the farm was tough, many wonderful memories were made and a tremendous work ethic was formed. She married Marion Reed on June 26, 1976, in Cedar Rapids. Barb was a devoted stay-at-home mom to her two children while they were young. She dearly loved her kids. Later in life, she started working as a software test analyst at Honeywell, where she enjoyed her job and colleagues. Barb loved her family and prioritized them. She was her best as "Grandma" and built strong relationships with each of her grandchildren. She was a selfless person, was always playing and laughing with the kids, exercising, or cooking Sunday dinners; she was the best cook. Barb's smile was contagious and her heart was big. She took great comfort in John 3:16, knowing her forever home was yet to come. Barb was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Billy. A memorial fund has been established in Barb's name. Please share your support and memories with Barb's family on her tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.