Erika Reed

Erika Reed, the only child of Therese Kub, was born on July 31, 1941, in Wiesbaden, Germany. As a young girl, she grew up in Liebshausen, Germany, where she attended school. Erika worked in Frankfurt, Germany before moving to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, area in 1974 where she settled down to raise her three children, Bettina, Christiane, and John. In 1978, she began working at the Mess Hall on the military installation, where she served for over 20 years. She served as a cook and later as a KP. Erika never learned to drive but was very appreciative to those whom helped her to get to work and places along the way. She was a social butterfly who never met a stranger. She enjoyed those she worked with and making new friends along the way. In her free time, Erika loved tending to her garden and flowers which often took up a lot of room. She would always grow and share them. She loved her soap operas, which she was always calling friends with updates. Her other favorite show was Walker Texas Ranger. She also enjoyed visiting with friends and was known for staying in touch with many of them, even after she moved to Life Care Center. Erika always had a relationship with the Lord, but during the last 2 ½ years, she drew closer to Him and her family. The Lord brought her comfort, and we know that we will see her again. Erika is survived by her three children: Bettina Greczek (Chad) of Northfield, OH; Christiane Zornes (Timothy) of Waynesville, MO; and John T. Reed (Patrice Williamson) of Crown Point, IN. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Daniel Zornes (Charity) of Bates City, MO; Johnathan Zornes of Waynesville, MO; Cole Zornes of St. Robert, MO and John Michael Reed of Jefferson City, MO. In addition, Erika leaves behind one great-grandchild, Michael, as well as several other relatives and friends. Erika passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the Life Care Center of Waynesville, Missouri, at the age of 84. She will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those who knew and loved her. Even though she is gone from our sight, Erika’s joyful and giving spirit will live on in our hearts forever. Funeral service was held at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 14, 2026 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Pastor Danny Graves officiating. The songs "Amazing Grace" by Elvis Presley, "Go Rest High on that Mountain" by Vince Gill, "Ave Maria" by Josh Groban, and "The Eyes of a Ranger" by Chuck Norris were played. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Erika Reed and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Erika Reed

July 31, 1941 - January 11, 2026