Elfa Rosalee Reed was born on her family’s farm in Alton, Missouri, July 11, 1941, and departed this life January 28, 2023, at the age of 81 years, 6 months, and 22 days.
She was married to James Lee Reed July 6, 1958, and to this union two children were born, Karen LaRue and Jarvis Lee.
Rosalee and James Lee served in many churches in Missouri and Arkansas. She was a Sunday school teacher and church pianist. Additionally, she played piano for a gospel group comprised of James Lee Reed, Gary Mitchener, Susan (Combs) Nicholson, and LaRue (Reed) Bennett.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Reverend Davie Combs and Claudia (Huff) Combs; her husband of over 62 years James Lee Reed, whom she cared for tirelessly in their home until his passing; her daughter Karen LaRue Bennett; and her sister Evalee Lasater.
She is survived by her son Jarvis Reed (wife Kelli); her grandson Derrick Bennett (wife Tricia); son-in-law Dean Bennett; granddaughters Katie Adams (husband Brandon), Sara Johnson (husband Jayden), and Cassandra Springer; great-grandchildren Katherine Bennett, Hailey Bennett, Karen Bennett, Emmarie Adams, Renleigh Adams, Olivia LaRue Adams, Jarron Johnson, and Cade Johnson; nieces Ralinda Register (husband Ray) and Stephanie Locher (husband John); and many great-nieces and nephews, friends, and extended family.
A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death better than the day of one’s birth.
Ecclesiastes 7:1
Funeral services for Rosalee Reed, age 81, of Myrtle, Missouri, will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri. Visitation will be Thursday, February 2 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri.
Interment will be on Friday, February 3, 2023, in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Dalton, Arkansas with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.
