Ruth Reed

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, November 12, with prayer service at 6 p.m. at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Interment will be at a later date.Born to the parents of Benjamin and Pauline Reed of Decatur on September 15, 1926. Ruth was the eldest of the couples three children. Benjamin Reed, Jr. (Bill and Pat) of The Villages, Florida and Patrick Reed (Pat and Carole) of St. Louis survive their sisters passing.After graduating from Decatur High School in 1944, Ruth married Ralph C. Reed of Decatur. He preceded her in death in 1971. Their marriage was rewarded with three children; Mark Reed of Florida, Meredith (Reed) Brisch of Lovington, IL, and Cindy (Reed) Bettis of Long Creek, IL. Ruth was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in the city of Decatur for over 30 years as a postal clerk. She had the amazing ability to recall postal codes from distant locations from memory alone.Ruth was a warm and loving grandmother to Brandon Bettis, Megan Bettis, Angel (Brisch) Underwood, Jeremy Brisch, and Keith Reed. She was also great-grandmother to Braydon Coble, Hayley Underwood, and Billie Underwood.Ruth was an active member of the U.S. Postal Workers Credit Union and a strong supporter of the youth activities at the Salem School in Long Creek, IL. Ruth gave of herself without asking anything in return. As a friend, counselor, and confidant to acquaintances, she was always willing to lend a helping hand and provide to those in need.The community has lost a shining star of optimism and knowledge with the passing of this loving lady. She will be greatly missed by all those that knew and loved her. "
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