Ruth Maxine Reed

Ruth Maxine Reed, 86, of Bartlesville, died Monday in Bartlesville. Ruth was born the daughter of James Hubert and Nola (Baker) Harrell on June 21, 1930 in Opdyke, IL. She was raised and educated in the area. She started out as a beautician and working for the local Drs office. She meet the love of her life by chance crossing the street. Lawrence Gale Reed only had his cigar ring to offer her for a wedding ring and it made do until they could afford a suitable ring. They were married December 14, 1955, in Carlyle, IL. Mount Carmel was where they made their home and where their first child Gary was born. Lawrence was employed with Reda Pump and they were transferred first to Oklahoma City where Ruthann was born and then to Bartlesville where Maryln was born. Reda then moved the family to Carmi and Salem, IL, before they came back to Bartlesville in 1972. Despite the family's many moves, Ruth and Lawrence made sure that home was wherever their hearts and family were. Ruth worked as an LPN at the Jane Phillips Hospital and local nursing homes for several years before working at Phillips Petroleum Co. until she retired in 1982. Ruth and Lawrence loved to travel and they took many memorable trips to New Mexico and Colorado where they would pan for gold. Ruth loved fishing, crocheting, canning the vegetables from her yearly garden, and most of all, bingo. Ruth joined the Royal Neighbors in 1968 and was an active member of the VFW women’s auxiliary. She volunteered at the Washington County Free Fair and one year won first place with a blanket she made. Most of all Ruth was a loving wife and mother who loved cooking for her family and spending precious time with grandchildren. Ruth is survived by her three children, Gary Michael Reed of Skiatook, Lavern Ruthann and Clifton Kempton of Colchester, VT, and Marilyn Nancy Smith and Wayne of Dewey; two step-sons, Donald and Raymond;14 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and three siblings, Loueva Oathout, Jarrell H. Harrell and Virginia Sinks. Ruth’s family will receive friends at the Davis Family Funeral Home, 918-534-3030, 113 S. Osage (Hwy. 75), Dewey, on Thursday, April 27, from 6-8 pm. Visitation will also be held Wednesday 12-8 pm and Thursday 10-8 pm. Funeral services will be held 2 pm Friday, April 28, at the Davis Family Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the Dewey Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared with Ruth’s family at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Ruth Maxine Reed

June 21, 1930 - April 24, 2017