Joan Marie Reed Obituary
Joan Marie Reed, 87, died August 8, 2023, in Norman after an extended illness. Joan was born October 26, 1935, in Topeka Kansas, to her parents Dorothy and BC Schutter. She attended high school in Tacoma, Washington. She married Ezra Rachal in 1955, and was a loving Mother to her five children. Being a military wife had its challenges when moving so frequently, but she always maintained stability for her children and instilled the importance of family. She later settled in Norman, Oklahoma where she could be in close proximity with her extended family.
While working at Agar, Ford, Jarmon, and Muldrow, she met and married Lester Reed in 1981. During their 35 years of marriage, they enjoyed traveling to Hot Springs, Arkansas, and attending horse races together. Joan enjoyed reading, traveling, and playing bunco with her girlfriends.
One of Joan's greatest joys in life was spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved attending their activities, always praising them for their accomplishments. Each one of them never doubted the love and admiration Joan felt for them. Holidays were always filled with love, laughter and a tight connection between multiple generations. Joan was the rock and matriarch of the family and her life reflected the words of Galatians 5:22 "The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.". She lived the last years of her life at Silver Elm, which felt like home and where she made many wonderful friendships.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Donna Tinley and Cheri Roberts; her sons, Terry Long, Ricky Rachal; stepson, David Reed; great-grandsons, Kyler Colby and Ryan Stone; and niece, Kim Rachal. Survivors include her son, Randy Rachal (Denise Hopper); daughter, Robin Madden (Jeff); daughter, Pam Hooper (Randy); daughters-in-law, Janice Long and Brenda Rachal; grandchildren, Terry Long Jr., Shane Long, Crystal Colby, Corey Stone, Ryan Rachal, Dustin Rachal, Cole Rachal, Logan Hooper, Clayton Hooper, Shannon Peck; stepson, Larry Reed (Lisa Harvey-Reed); step daughters, Julie Reed and Lisa Reed (John Orr); step-grandchildren, Jennifer Sanders (Lance), Kristen Reed (Sebastian Deregibus) Sara Reed, Hayley Reed, Zach Wheeler, Luke Wheeler, Daisy Sky Shangrow, Clarke Orr, Jacob Orr; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, along with extended family members.
Memorial donations can be made to First Christian Church or to Good Shepherd Hospice.
