Kay Ann (Stemke) Reed

Kay Ann Stemke Reed, 84, of Ammon, passed away February 24, 2023, at Life Care Center of Idaho Falls.

Kay was born March 14, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to William Stemke and Martha Guetzloff Stemke. She grew up and attended schools in the area and graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.

On May 28, 1960, she married her high school sweetheart, William Thomas Reed, in Franklin Park, Illinois, and they were married for 59 years prior to Tom’s passing in June 2019. They have five children, Kim, Mark, Kris, Kelly, Kathy, and adopted granddaughter, Brittany. They lived in Chicago where Kay worked as a Registered Nurse prior to relocating to El Centro, Monterey, and San Diego, California, for Tom’s military duty stations. Kay worked as a Management Analyst at Balboa Naval Medical Hospital in San Diego for 20 years until her well-earned retirement. They then moved to Idaho Falls.

Kay was a tremendous cook and cooking was her passion. During their marriage, she routinely organized and cooked for family parties and get-togethers in excess of 20+ people and pulled them off without a hitch! She enjoyed watching cooking shows on tv and watching the Cubbies and Bears games with Tom.

Kay is survived by her loving daughter, Kim Brown of Ammon, ID; son, Mark Reed of Idaho Falls, ID; daughters, Kelly (Greg) Robinson of San Diego, CA, Kathy (Mike) Patrick of Columbus, ND, and Brittany (Chris) Hillam of Smithfield, UT; 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Kris McMahon; grandson, Brett Turpin; and brother, William Stemke, Jr.

“Mom, you were a saint. There wasn’t anything you couldn’t handle. While dad was out to sea numerous times during his 20 year naval career, you raised five kids on your own without having any family nearby. You put up a strong front for us and never once showed your fear every time the phone rang or there was a knock on the front door thinking it was the Navy Chaplain to inform you that dad wasn’t coming home. You never once missed a baseball/softball practice or game, dance class and recitals, gymnastics meets, soccer practice and games, and Brownie/Girl Scout meetings. You not only took care of us, but also our friends who were always at our house. You were a “second mom” to a lot of people. When we grew up and had kids of our own, you became a medical advisor to us as well because you were the first person we called when we had a medical question regarding our kids. Your loving heart and generosity will never cease to amaze me. I’ll always remember you as a most thoughtful and caring person. I know that when you left us, you were immediately in the arms of Dad, Kris, and Brett. Enjoy your eternity with them. I know that you’ll be waiting for me when the time comes. I miss you so much already, Stwanche, and you will forever be in my heart. Love, your Kimbo”

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 10, 2023, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road.