Ronald Ray Reed

Ron was born on March 5, 1943, in Metropolis, Illinois, one of six children to the late Raymond and Pearl (Jackson) Reed. He was raised in Ypsilanti and Whitmore Lake, where he quickly earned a reputation as someone who showed up, pitched in, and was often the first one called when help was needed.

On February 9, 1991, Ron married Joyce Wallace, and in doing so, didn’t just gain a wife, but a full family. He became a steady and genuine presence in the lives of her children, never making distinctions—stepchildren were simply not a category he recognized.

Ron was, by all accounts, an all-around great guy with a quick wit and a perfectly timed one-liner. He loved to make people laugh, often sneaking in a dry comment just when you least expected it. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing baseball and bowling, and as the years went on, his competitive spirit shifted primarily to storytelling and keeping everyone on their toes.

Ron spent much of his life working as a landscaper, though that title hardly did justice to what he could do. Give him a pile of materials, a problem, or even just an idea, and he’d find a way to make it work. He had a natural, hands-on ingenuity and a quiet confidence that came from years of figuring things out as he went. Whether it was building, fixing, or reimagining something entirely. He once managed to build a curved wall out of straight railroad ties; something that shouldn’t have worked, but did, because Ron was the one doing it.

Family camping trips were a yearly tradition and something Ron looked forward to, especially when it meant enjoying Joyce’s cooking over the fire—always expertly managed with her trusty spatula.

Ron was also a collector, though “collector” may be a generous term depending on who you asked. From hats to the occasional unexpected find (including a random stoplight he once threatened to install on the fence), Ron believed firmly in being prepared for anything… even if no one else quite understood what that “anything” might be.

He and Joyce cherished time spent at their little stone house in Lewiston, MI where weekends were slower, quieter, and well-earned.

Ron had a soft spot for animals and a quiet way of connecting with them. He fed the neighborhood critters, reportedly trained a squirrel to knock on the back door for treats, and once found himself hosting a stray cat who decided his lap was the perfect place to have her kittens. He never complained, at least not enough to stop it from happening. He also enjoyed watching birds, often content to simply sit and take it all in.

Ron will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Joyce Wallace-Reed; his children, Angela (Chuck) Franks, Wendy Heider, Fred (Erica) Wallace, and Joe Wallace; grandchildren, Shane, Chance, Alissa, Sandra, Katie, Shon, Cody. Amanda, Tonya, and McKenna; great-grandchildren, Cassian, Athea, Autumn, Krissie, Spencer, Josh, Colesin, Brielle, Lincoln, and Regan; and great-great-grandchildren, Clayton and Blair. He is also survived by his siblings, Sherry (Bob) DeVine and Art (Veronia) Reed, along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his siblings, Don Reed, Gennie Crislip, and Norman Reed.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held this summer—details to follow, likely with a few good stories and at least one joke Ron would have approved of.

Hosmer-Muehlig Funeral Chapel is honored to serve Ron’s family.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.HosmerMuehlig.com.