November 12, 1923 - January 17, 2015

I was born in Neustadt, Germany to Henry and Sophie (Busing) Cordes. I was the 9th of 10 siblings. I came to the United States at the age of 10 months on a steamship called the Pittsburgh. There I learned to walk while the rest of my family got sick. We landed at Ellis Island in 1924. I lived in Colorado for a short time, before my parents moved us all to Idaho where my baby brother was born. We lived on a farm in Elmira, Idaho where I went to a one room school through the 8th grade. I became a citizen at the age of 21.

On May 27, 1944 I married the love of my life, Ray Reed. We were married for 53 years before his passing in 1997. We lived in Osburn, Idaho for 36 years until my children graduated from High School. During that time I worked at Elders Variety and Tabors Drug in Wallace. We then moved to Hayden Lake, Idaho where I began working as an Activity Director and for Coeur d'Alene Homes for 25 years. After retirement I volunteered at the Trading Post in Coeur d'Alene.

Later after my husband passed away, I moved to Coeur d'Alene at the request of my children where I lived until I had a stroke. I then moved into Wellspring Meadow Assisted Living. I lived there until my passing. I go forth now to be in Heaven, to be with my husband and my Lord.

I am survived by my two children, son Harley Reed (Wife Micki) daughter Diana Whaley (husband Mike). I have 3 grandkids, Hallie Rowland (husband Jason), Marti Fox (Joe Carroll), Chad Whaley (wife Jennifer); two great-grandkids, Jackson Whaley and Deegan Rowland. I have numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a private graveside service with a celebration of her life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in my memory to Wellsprings Meadow Assisted Living- 9873 Buttercup Lane, Hayden, Idaho or Coeur d'Alene Homes. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.