Verlene Reid

Verlene Reid, 97, of DeWitt, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Maggie’s House in DeWitt, Iowa.

Verlene Mona Reid of DeWitt, Iowa, was born December 21, 1928, in Gamaliel, Arkansas to Robert and Nancy (Gillett) Hathcock. On May 10, 1947, she married Bernie Reid of Wasola, Missouri. Together they raised five children and made farming their way of life, with Verlene working alongside Bernie for many years.

Once most of her children were grown, Verlene took up bowling and greatly enjoyed the friendships she formed and the friendly competitions as her teams traveled all over Iowa. Building lasting relationships was important to her, whether through bowling or time spent with her card-playing friends.

Verlene was a devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church in DeWitt for many years. One of her greatest joys was serving at Grace Camp, where she and a group of wonderful ladies prepared meals during summer camps. Hundreds of children passed through those camps to study God’s Word and hear about Jesus. Her butter horn rolls and cinnamon rolls became their favorites. Most meaningful to her was watching those children grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Having accepted Christ at a young age, Verlene instilled a foundation of God’s love and grace in her children and grandchildren. Her greatest hope was that her steadfast faith and example of God’s unconditional love would lead them to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

She is survived by her children, Mike Reid of Evans, Georgia, Dennis Reid of Ft. Madison, Iowa, Linda Sinclair of Anchorage, Alaska, and Robert Reid of Richmond, Virginia, and her sister Norma Jean Brown, Richland, Missouri. She has 9 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Verlene was preceded in death by her husband, Bernie, her son, John Lee Reid, her sisters Betty Jo Ketelsen, Gladys Billingsly, and Valita Crowford, and her brothers, Herman and Hayden Hathcock.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 30, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church, DeWitt, the Rev. John Dolde officiating, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Grace Lutheran Camp, and Maggie’s House, both in DeWitt, and St. Croix Hospice in Davenport.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com