Lorraine I. Reed

After 97 blessed years, Lorraine I. Reed of Des Moines, Iowa breathed her last breath and entered the glorious gates of Heaven on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Lorraine’s final weeks were filled with many visits and phone calls from family and friends. These visits were filled with laughter, hugs, and tears as many memories were shared together. She never liked Facebook or texting. She always wanted to hear your voice!

Born on February 8, 1928, on the family farm in Lisbon, Iowa, Lorraine was the oldest of five siblings born to John “Jack” and Lucille Ciha. She quickly developed a strong work ethic that would carry her through the Great Depression. This work ethic and her ability to instantly connect with people were two of her many character traits that would lead her in life.

After graduating from Lisbon High School, Lorraine traveled to Broadlawns Hospital in Des Moines to pursue a degree in nursing. She graduated in 1949. It was there that she met her future husband, John, as he was pursuing a nursing degree also.

In 1958, John and Lorraine made Des Moines their permanent home. For the next 44 years they would work together to raise six children. After John’s passing in 2002, she remained in the only house they ever owned. Lorraine would eventually put her nursing career on hold to be a stay at home mom. To help make ends meet, Lorraine began baking and decorating cakes from her home. She quickly developed the reputation for creating the most beautiful and best tasting cakes in the Des Moines area.

In her “spare” time, Lorraine was a valuable team member of the Broadlawns Hospital Guild, the Saylor Township Fire Auxiliary, the East Des Moines Christian Women’s Club, and Bethany Church. Her bowling skills weren’t too bad either!

Lorraine loved the Lord, her family, her flowers and birds, the color purple, and the Chicago Cubs passionately. She possessed the unique ability to quickly make you her friend. She was non-judgmental and always accepting of everyone. She loved connecting with her family on the telephone, sometimes with one in each hand! Lorraine was her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids’ greatest supporter and fan in all their activities. Lorraine’s best piece of advice was, “Always try to smile and look for the best in every situation.”

Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband, John in 2002; her parents, John and Lucille Ciha; and her brother, Jack Ciha.

Survivors include her brother, Don (Dorothy) Ciha and her sisters, Joyce Martin and Patsy Ciha. Also left to remember her lasting legacy are her six children and their spouses: Connie Cox (Roger), Doug (Judy), Deanna Walraven (Larry), Roger (Kristy), Darin (Tamasel), and Tammi Reed. Lorraine also cherished her 14 grandchildren and their spouses. They include: Matthew Cox (Rachel), Phillip Cox (Staci), Steven Cox (Ashley), Jenifer Reed (Kyle Neddo), Jodie Guerra, Joey Reed (Courtney), Jessica Wells (Matt), Allie Christie (Will), Jordan Reed (Chelsea), Meredith Halvorson (Jordan), Kaitlin Reed (Clyde Williams), Kelsey Landhuis (Abbey Nawrocki), Travis Landhuis (Kit D’Asti), and Shaina Castan (Alex). Lorraine was also blessed to meet and get to know her 22 great-grandchildren. Number 23 is expected in July. Her first great-great-grandchild is expected in August.

Lorraine’s family, friends, and guests are invited to wear any attire that is purple in color or Chicago Cubs related.

Memorial contributions may be designated to Bethany Church, Des Moines, Iowa.

Lorraine’s family would like to thank the Hospice of UnityPoint for their wonderful care of Lorraine in her final weeks.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Bethany Church, 720 NE 52nd Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313. Celebration of Life will be Friday, May 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., also at Bethany Church, and will be followed by burial at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. For those unable to attend the service in person, click here.

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