Miriam Reed

Miriam grew up in Ramona, CA and attended area public schools, graduating from Grossmont Union High School. She trained and volunteered in the Aircraft Spotters program during the WWII era. Her first job after high school was with Southern California Music Store as a salesperson.

Miriam attended Mercy School of Nursing (San Diego, CA) and graduated in 1953 as a Registered Nurse. She then went on to attend Whitworth College (Spokane, WA), graduating in 1956 with a Bachelor’s in Science, Magna Cum Laude.

On December 22, 1955, she married Richard H. Reed of Florence, AZ, a longtime area cattle rancher (Box O Ranch). Initially, the newlyweds lived in Escondido, CA to tend and develop the Reed family’s avocado and citrus orchards. In 1956, they moved to establish their home in Cactus Forest near Florence, AZ where they raised their daughters, Debbie, Linda, and Cathy, while working on the family’s cattle ranch. Miriam picked up fulltime ranching at the passing of her husband, Richard, from 1983 to present.

Miriam worked as an RN at the Florence General Hospital, and served on the Florence Unified School District School Board. She also remained very active in the First Presbyterian Church of Florence since 1956, serving for many years on the Session, singing in the Choir, and helping create and direct the Youth Choir.

Miriam was also an active member of the Arizona Cattle Grower’s Assn., the Winkleman Natural Resource Conservation District, and the Southern Arizona Cattlemen’s Protective Assn. where she was also a Past President.

Miriam greatly enjoyed travel with family and friends to Europe, Asia, Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, Alaska, and within the continental USA. Remarkably, she made connection wherever she ventured and had dear friends from all around the world…she never really met a stranger, befriending people wherever she went!

Miriam’s deep joys were found in gathering family and friends, all aspects of cattle ranching, driving tractors and trucks and anything with a powerful engine, riding horseback - even daylong trail rides, boating, water skiing, gardening, trimming trees, yardwork, photography, videography, singing, dancing in her living room with her young Grandchildren, good coffee, and great chocolate.

Miriam passed peacefully in her longtime home on December 15, 2020 surrounded by loved ones. She is survived by brother, George R. Pohlman (Dorothy Wellman) of Sierra Vista, AZ, sister Dianna Pohlman Bell (Donald) of Duluth, MN, sister-in-law, Patsy L. “Pat’ Reed of Florence, AZ, daughters Deborah A. Gonzales (Carlos R.) of Nogales, AZ, Linda S. Crane (Steven) of Gold Canyon, AZ, and Catherine H. “Cathy” Foster (William A.) of Florence, AZ, seven Grandchildren, ten Great-Grandchildren, seven nieces and nephews, and uncountable cherished friends near and far.

She will be fondly remembered for her generous nature, her adventurous spirit, her inquisitive mind, her strong work ethic and her quick wit, her love for her family and friends, and for her deep faith in God.

No services are scheduled at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In lieu of flowers, the family invites consideration for a contribution In Memory of Margaret Miriam Reed directly to Hospice Fund of Central Arizona, PO Box 11859, Casa Grande, AZ 85130-1859, or go online to www.AzHospiceFund.org.