Marian Elizabeth Reed

REED, Marian Elizabeth
Kalamazoo Marian Elizabeth Reed went home to be with her Lord on June 16, 2014 at the age of 93, in Kalamazoo, MI. Born May 15, 1921 she was the oldest daughter of Rudolph and Mabel Erickson Smith. Marian graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School at the age of 15 with straight A's. She attended Parson's Business School to learn secretarial skills. With her first paychecks, she bought her parents their first stove and refrigerator. At the age of 17, Marian left home and went to Miami, FL. Later on, she won a scholarship to USC and inspected airplanes during the war. Marian raised a son, 2 daughters and a step-son. She was involved in the Methodist church for 50 years, and then the Assembly of God churches for the last 40 years. She was honest, intelligent and hardworking... always concerned with the needs of others. Marian had a wide range of interests including bowling, rollerskating, traveling, crossword puzzles, Girl Scout leader and sports. She moved to Lakeland, FL so she could see her favorite ball team the Tigers at their spring training, and keep all their stats. She enjoyed learning new words and stumping her girls with them. Her travels included Israel, all parts of the United States and various cruises. Marian worked for Bell Telephone in different capacities and retired after 30 years. After her retirement, she volunteered in hospitals in Lansing, MI and Lakeland, FL. She and her husband were members of the Lions club. They were instrumental in getting glasses and eye surgeries for many children and adults in MI and FL. Marian was a 17 year cancer survivor and has lived a full, happy and rich life. Marian was predeceased by her parents, her son Dennis, her husband Tom, her brother Bill, and her sisters, Gertrude, Arlene, Lucille and their husbands. Marian is survived by her daughters Dona/Noah Steve Rampton and Diane Ruimveld, step-son Ralph Marilyn Reed, 6 grandchildren and several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and sister-in-law Dorothy Erickson. A special thank you to Kathy Winters for showing such love and care towards Marian. She was like a daughter to her. Thank you to the staff at Tendercare and the Southerncare Hospice staff for doing their duties in a loving and caring way, treating Marian like a mother or friend. Thank you to all her friends in FL who looked after her and made her life complete. A private viewing has been held at the Langeland Family Funeral Home in Kalamazoo. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lions Club.