Bernice ‘Bea’ Katherine Reed, 79, passed away May 6, 2023, at her home. She was born May 17, 1943, in Hutchinson, KS, to Verner E. Briggs and Ethel Mary (Hester) Briggs.
Bea began working at F.W. Woolworth Department Store. Shortly thereafter, she married Joseph M. Reed, Sr., during her sophomore year of high school. They shared over 48 years of marriage, prior to his death on January 5, 2009. Bea then went to work in maintenance at Carey Salt Company. Her next position was as a certified nurse’s aide (CNA) at Mennonite Friendship Communities. While working, Bea began taking evening classes in order to become a certified nurse’s aide (CNA) and a certified medical assistant (CMA). After obtaining her CNA and CMA licenses, she opened her own business and retired when the last of her patients passed away.
Bea is survived by: her sons, Joseph Reed, Jr. of South Hutchinson, KS, and Wade Reed of Yokosuka, Japan; grandchildren, Brandon (Chelsie) Reed, Justin (Jennifer) Reed, Nathan (Lyndsey) Reed, Marty Reed, Seth Hurrt, and Ashley Mead; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Syvanna, Ryan, Allison, Gabby, Caitlyn, Maddie, Ethan, Drew, Jessie, Addi, Ella, Jocylyn, Natalie, and Mataya; sister, Colleen (Charles) Nichols of DeSoto, KS; brothers-in-law, Al Moylan and Ron Brawner; and sisters-in-law, Sherry Briggs, Linda (Frank) Humphries, Judy Reed, and Lucia Briggs.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband; son, Verner Ray Reed; brothers, William Briggs and Lester Briggs; sister, Patty Brawner; parents-in-law, Ray and Vera Reed; sisters-in-law, Glenna Arneson, Shirley Schoonover, and Patsy Moylan; and brothers-in-law, Tom Reed and John ‘Red’ Schoonover.
According to Bea’s wishes, a graveside service will be 10 a.m. Friday, May 12, 2023, at Fairlawn Burial Park, 2401 Carey Blvd, Hutchinson, KS. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Bernice K. Reed Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.