Elizabeth Reid
Feb 20, 2023
Elizabeth “Liz” (Ford) Reid passed away peacefully at her home in St. George, Utah on Feb. 20, 2023, at the age of 80. Liz was born in Huntsville, Alabama, and was the eldest child of Robert “Bobbie” Jewell Wright Ford and Freeman David Ford. After the births of her siblings Beverly and David (deceased), the family moved to Flint, Michigan, where her father passed when Liz was just l7.
At the age of 18, Liz spotted a newspaper ad recruiting typists for the Navy in Washington, D.C. She promptly hopped on a bus and landed a job in the Navy recruiting office. Liz worked hard, taking night classes to pass the Federal Service Entrance Exam, which allowed her to join the professional ranks of Human Resources for the Navy. After a short first marriage, Liz settled on her own in Virginia where she met and married fellow golfer and widower Alex Reid. Despite a horrific auto accident on their way home, Liz and Alex remained happily married for 29 years, living and working for the Army in Heidelberg, Germany, then back to the U.S. for the Air Force until finally settling in Maryland. Later they retired and spent winters at the Vines South Wind golf community (Estero) Fort Myers, Florida.
Liz was a naturally sociable person who loved being around people. Her strong work ethic and independence led her to take jobs as an independent contractor and consultant, despite ongoing rehab from the injuries she sustained in the car accident. She even sold furniture for a time and really enjoyed it. Liz kept busy with golf and book clubs, as well as taking care of her mother before she passed, and then her husband Alex before he too, passed in 2008.
After some time as a widow in the Vines at South Wind in Florida, Liz gave online dating a try and met Robert “Bob” Childs. The two embarked on a new set of adventures in Canandaigua, New York, Tooele and St. George, Utah, and finally the picturesque town of Buffalo next to their newly acquired ranch in the Bighorn Mountains. Liz helped Bob make their many houses into homes, and her natural kindness, strong faith and giving heart earned them many friends everywhere they went.
Liz was preceded in death by her parents, brother David, second husband Alex Reid, and stepson Peter Reid. Liz is survived by her husband Bob, younger sister Beverly Provencher, stepchildren Donna McNeil and Jan Myers, along with many beloved step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Liz’s life will be held in Buffalo at a date in the spring of 2023 to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dixie Rehab and Hospice, 352 E. Riverside Drive Suite, 3B3, St. George, UT 84790 or The Brinton Museum, 239 Brinton Rd, Big Horn, WY 82833. Memories and condolences can be shared through the Serenity Funeral Home of Southern Utah website at serenitystg.com.
Liz will always be remembered in our hearts for her fierce independence, love of people and sweet nature. She lived a full and adventurous life and left a positive impact on everyone she met.
