Mary Ann Reed

Mary Ann Reed, of Lonedell, MO, formerly St. Clair, MO, departed this life on in Washington, MO, on April 29, 2015, having reached the age of eighty-six years, four months and twenty-nine days. Mary Ann was born in Washington on November 30, 1928, daughter of James Wilfred Rethmeyer, Sr. and Gladys Viola Rethmeyer nee Griffith. On December 17, 1949, she was united in marriage to Gene Tunney Reed, known to all as Tunney, and three children came to bless this union.
Mary Ann is survived by her daughter, Judy Wagner and husband, Ernie, of Lonedell, MO; by her grandchildren, Erica Venne and husband, John, of Granite City, IL, Nickie Wagner of Lonedell. Ashley Rollins of Granite City, and E. J. Wagner of Columbia, MO; by her great-grandchildren, Emma Venne and Lillee Rollins both of Granite City, Makayla Johnson, Kylee Wagner and Maycee Menzel, all of Lonedell; by her brother, James W. Rethmeyer, Jr. and wife, Laura, of Raymore, MO; by her siblings-in-law, Emma Carey of St. Clair, MO, Phyllis Reed and husband, Jack Lewis, of Lonedell and Dale Reed of St. Clair; by nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, James, Sr. and Gladys Rethmeyer; by her husband, Tunney Reed; by her sons, James Reed, known to all as Jimmy, and Bradley Reed; and by her sister, Betty Lu Reed.
Mary Ann was a Christian and current member of Bethel Baptist Church in Lonedell, MO. She was a former member of First Baptist Church in St. Clair, MO, where she served as the church librarian. In 1975, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Webster University in St. Louis and that began her teaching career. She taught school for thirty-four years, teaching at Oak Grove, Stanton, Piney Bluff, Anaconda and finally at St. Clair R-13 schools. She was also a member of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association. Mary Ann was an active woman, playing cards at the St. Clair Senior Center or with her Tuesday/Wednesday Pinochle Club.
In her younger years, she enjoyed watching Judy and her grandchildren play school sports. Mary Ann was an avid reader, loved to do puzzle books and was a big St. Louis Cardinal and Mizzou Tiger fan. What meant most to her was time spent with her family. The love they shared and many precious memories they created will forever live in their hearts.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 2, 2015, at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO, with the Rev. Ben Kingston officiating. Interment was in Midlawn Memorial Gardens, Union, MO. Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Youth Ministry, Lonedell, MO.