Oretha Reed

Oretha Reed, 81, of Benton Harbor passed away on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at Hanson Hospice Center surrounded by her family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held privately for family and friends.   Memorial contributions may be made to Hanson Hospice Center or the Sodus Township Fire Department for their hard work and dedication they showed during the loss of their home in a fire on September 19, 2015.  Those wishing to sign Oretha’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Oretha was born on September 3, 1934 in Pascola, Missouri to Earl & Euna (Dickson) Barnes. Her father passed away when she was a young girl and she was later adopted by her stepfather, Glen Kizer. On August 15, 1952 she married the love of her life, Vestus Reed in Benton Harbor. Oretha worked as a secretary for Heath Company in Benton Harbor for many years. After retiring she and Vestus spent the cold winters in Kissimmee, Florida. She enjoyed tending to her flower garden, her favorite flowers were her roses. She loved spending time with her family. Oretha also enjoyed playing dominos and mahjong with her friends at the Villa’s. Oretha is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Vestus Reed; children Linda (Gary Benson) Reed of St. Joseph, Steven (Kim Guzicki) Reed of Benton Harbor and Lisa Reed of St. Joseph; grandchildren Ryan, Sara, Melissa, Brandon and Steven; five great-grandchildren with one more on the way. She is preceded in death by her parents and sisters Mary Louise Barnes and Loraleen Barnes.