Gwen Davis Reid, 99, of Firth, ID, passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2015 at her home.
Gwen was born in Aberdeen, ID, on Dec. 30, 1915. She was the third child born to Edward L. and Hazel Davis. Her parents came west from Ohio to homestead land that was being developed by new irrigation projects. Her siblings included Edward V. Davis, Virginia Davis Brown, Donald L. Davis, and Herbert W. Davis, all deceased. Her father tried his hand at farming, but made his livelihood by operating the grain elevator in Aberdeen. The family owned one of the first homes in the townsite of Aberdeen.
Gwen attended elementary school and graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1933. She was co-valedictorian for which she received a $25 scholarship. After high school Gwen attended the Methodist College at Gooding, ID, where she received her teaching certificate in 1935. It was teaching that brought Gwen to this area as her first job was teaching grades one through four at Lower Presto School, near Firth. While there she boarded at the home of Robert and Agnes Just Reid. Here she met the love of her life, Vincent Reid, son of Robert and Agnes, and married him a year later. Due to rules at the time, she had to leave her teaching job. The young couple built a log home along the Blackfoot River and began farming and raising their family. Gwen was married to Vin for 72 years and lived in the family home until her death.
Gwen and Vin were the parents of seven children. The oldest child, Barbara, married Roger Hanson and made her home in Pocatello. Their children are Stacey Jensen and Reid Hanson. Bob married Christy Crockett. They have continued to farm and ranch on the home place. Their children are Katy Hursh, Mindi Palmer, Cody Reid, Jared Reid, and Robert Reid. Ted was married to Debbie Bowne for a brief time. They are both deceased. Paul married Billie Shikashio. Their children are Milee Heath, Mariko Downs and Kimi Reid. Paul also continues to farm. William Reid is married to Donnetta Harris. Their children are Melissa and Brittany Reid. Gerry married Bill Becker and had three children, Ben Becker, Andy Becker and Emily Potter. Ginger, the youngest, has lived at home for several years to help care for her parents.
Gwen’s pride and joy were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was very involved in the lives of her family. Gwen and Vin made an effort to attend every function and event that their children and grandchildren were involved in over the years. Gwen enjoyed frequent visits from all and loved playing games and cards. Until very recently, Gwen was still busy baking bread, cookies and candy including her famous caramels for her family and friends.
Gwen participated with the women’s service group at Bethel Lutheran Church. She was very interested in early history of Aberdeen and Firth communities. She has contributed many items to the historical society in Blackfoot and to the library in Aberdeen. She occasionally attended senior citizen luncheons and enjoyed visiting with old friends there.
A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, at Hawker Funeral Home, 132 South Shilling Ave. in Blackfoot. Family met with friends one hour prior to the service and a dinner was served immediately following the service at the Methodist church next door. Condolences may be sent to: www.hawkerfuneralhome.com.
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