Obituary for Carol Dee Reid (Garrett)
Carol Dee (Garrett) Reid, age 83, of Battle Creek, died Sunday, December 11, 2022. She was born on July 20, 1939 in South English, Iowa, the only child of Giles and Mary Jane Garrett.
Carol graduated from Richmond Senior High School in Richmond, IN with the class of 1956. She initially attended DePauw University in Greencastle, IN to pursue a BS in Nursing. She transferred to Earlham College in Richmond, IN where she earned a BA degree in 1962. She earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Western Michigan University in 1980. She was a firm believer in education and she instilled that in her children and grandchildren.
Carol married Paul A. Reid on January 19, 1958 at Central Methodist Church in Richmond, IN. They were able to celebrate an early 65th wedding anniversary in September with a 22 day Northern European and Trans-Atlantic cruise.
Carol retired from the Department of Defense on September 30, 1994 after a thirty-one year career. She worked at the Air Force Logistics Command in Dayton, Ohio; the Defense Construction Supply Center in Columbus, Ohio; and the Defense Logistics Services Center in Battle Creek, Michigan.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Battle Creek for over 40 years. She sang in the choir, served as Chair of the Missions Committee, assisted in church work camps in Kentucky, Oklahoma, Montana, Maine and New York, participated in Spiritual Growth Group and other Adult Bible Studies. She assisted her husband when he served on the church staff full-time.
Carol loved to travel throughout her life, instilling that wanderlust in her children. She had the opportunity to visit all 50 states, most of the Canadian provinces, took 11 cruises visiting 25 countries, and took 14 trips with Paul and their Euchre Card Club (50 years in existence).
In addition, her retirement years were spent reading, watching television (Hallmark Movies, Crime Shows/Mysteries, Game Shows and News), and sending notes of encouragement to family and friends. Listening to her husband play the classics and his own compositions on his Steinway piano brought her great enjoyment. She dearly loved her family, was extremely proud of them and their achievements and attended many family get-togethers.
Carol passed away peacefully at Bronson Battle Creek with family at her side. Her family and friends know how bravely she battled several illnesses and surgeries over the years. She will forever be remembered for her loving and caring spirit.
She is survived by her loving husband of sixty-four years, Paul A. Reid; her four amazing children and ten wonderful grandchildren: Bob and Robin Sharkey (Jennifer, Megan); Doug and Karen Shilling (Chris, Erica and Lee); David and Taren Durham (Tracy, Drew, Ryan); Scott and Cathy Reid (Kirsten, Stephanie); and thirteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral arrangements for Carol are being handled by Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service. Visitation and Memorial Service to be scheduled at a later date. Visit www.baxterfuneral.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book or leave the family condolences.
Memorial contributions may be made to: First United Methodist Church in Battle Creek, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), or South Michigan Food Bank in Battle Creek.
Carol graduated from Richmond Senior High School in Richmond, IN with the class of 1956. She initially attended DePauw University in Greencastle, IN to pursue a BS in Nursing. She transferred to Earlham College in Richmond, IN where she earned a BA degree in 1962. She earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Western Michigan University in 1980. She was a firm believer in education and she instilled that in her children and grandchildren.
Carol married Paul A. Reid on January 19, 1958 at Central Methodist Church in Richmond, IN. They were able to celebrate an early 65th wedding anniversary in September with a 22 day Northern European and Trans-Atlantic cruise.
Carol retired from the Department of Defense on September 30, 1994 after a thirty-one year career. She worked at the Air Force Logistics Command in Dayton, Ohio; the Defense Construction Supply Center in Columbus, Ohio; and the Defense Logistics Services Center in Battle Creek, Michigan.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Battle Creek for over 40 years. She sang in the choir, served as Chair of the Missions Committee, assisted in church work camps in Kentucky, Oklahoma, Montana, Maine and New York, participated in Spiritual Growth Group and other Adult Bible Studies. She assisted her husband when he served on the church staff full-time.
Carol loved to travel throughout her life, instilling that wanderlust in her children. She had the opportunity to visit all 50 states, most of the Canadian provinces, took 11 cruises visiting 25 countries, and took 14 trips with Paul and their Euchre Card Club (50 years in existence).
In addition, her retirement years were spent reading, watching television (Hallmark Movies, Crime Shows/Mysteries, Game Shows and News), and sending notes of encouragement to family and friends. Listening to her husband play the classics and his own compositions on his Steinway piano brought her great enjoyment. She dearly loved her family, was extremely proud of them and their achievements and attended many family get-togethers.
Carol passed away peacefully at Bronson Battle Creek with family at her side. Her family and friends know how bravely she battled several illnesses and surgeries over the years. She will forever be remembered for her loving and caring spirit.
She is survived by her loving husband of sixty-four years, Paul A. Reid; her four amazing children and ten wonderful grandchildren: Bob and Robin Sharkey (Jennifer, Megan); Doug and Karen Shilling (Chris, Erica and Lee); David and Taren Durham (Tracy, Drew, Ryan); Scott and Cathy Reid (Kirsten, Stephanie); and thirteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral arrangements for Carol are being handled by Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service. Visitation and Memorial Service to be scheduled at a later date. Visit www.baxterfuneral.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book or leave the family condolences.
Memorial contributions may be made to: First United Methodist Church in Battle Creek, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), or South Michigan Food Bank in Battle Creek.