Margaret Kate Reed

Margaret Kate VanVacter was born in Magnum, Oklahoma on September 12,1932 to Leon and Eugenia VanVacter. They moved to Bowie, Texas when she was two years old. Margaret attended school in the little town of Stoneburg, Texas where she was co-valedictorian of the 8th grade. She changed schools to Bowie at the beginning of her junior year and was the Valedictorian of her high school class. During these high school years, she was introduced to GFWC-TFWC by her mother who attended Maids and Matrons club of Bowie. She was active in volleyball and debating which both won district her senior yearthis was as far as they went at this time. Margaret was a member of Alpha Chi, National Honor Society, and Los Caballeros Riding Club. She attended TWU one year and transferred to UNT in Denton the following year. She graduated from UNT in 1953 with a Bachelor degree in Education. During her college years she was Rodeo Queen of the Bowie Pioneer Days Celebration. She taught school for 11 years. She met Bill, her husband, while teaching her first year in Spearman, Texas. She taught the next two years at Dumas and then moved to Stratford after she and Bill married. She taught the remainder of her 11 years at Stratford. William Glenn "Bill" Reed Jr. and Margaret Kate VanVacter were married in Clayton, New Mexico on May 19,1956. They had two sons William R. "Ricky" Reed and Donal L. "Don" Reed. They formed a partnership together named Bill Reed & Sons on December 1,1982. Bill Reed & Sons was awarded several awards such as Farmer of the Year from Sherman County Soil and Water Conservation District in 2002, and Farmer of the Year 2013 KGNC and Amarillo Chamber of Commerce. They also formed Reed Inc., and Butte Lake Ranch. She kept records and accounts for the multiple farm and ranch enterprises that the family owns and operates. She even raised baby bottle calves in the back yard. She felt that a life in agriculture is a great legacy to pass down through the generations. Margaret enjoyed hosting the family holiday gatherings for her children and grandchildren. Where her infamous ice cream cake was often requested. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren in their sporting events, rodeos, and stock shows. She enjoyed going to Texas Tech University football and basketball games. Margaret served her community in various roles. Throughout her life she was a member of several boards, clubs, and councils. She was a member of the Stratford ISD school board for 5 terms, and was the first woman elected to be a member of that board. She was a member of the Sherman County Hospital District where she served as Board President. She was a member of the Education Endowment Board from origination until 2010. Margaret was a member of The Stratford Area Foundation Board. She was a member of the Top of Texas Girlstown Endowment Board at the time Girlstown became part of Boys Ranch. She served as the President of the Sherman County Library Board. She was also a member of the board that started Lollipop Day Care in Stratford. Margaret was also a Cub Scout leader for six years. She was a SCOT Board member and taught the Pricilla Sunday School class at the First Baptist Church of Stratford. Margaret was a Texas Federation of Women's Clubs Life Member, a member of TFWC Historical Foundation for 10 years and helped restore the financial stability of the 30,000 square foot TFWC Clubhouse in Austin, Texas. Margaret was to be receiving her 50th year membership pin for TFWC. She was awarded the Outstanding Club Woman of the Top of Texas District where she also served two terms as President. She was a member of Prospectus Study Club for 53 years. The Sherman County history book titled God Grass & Grit Volume 1 was published by Prospectus Study Club while Margaret was President. She won several awards during her lifetime. Margaret was the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority girl of the year for two years. She was awarded the Sherman County Conservation Homemaker in 2004, the Region I Conservation Homemaker in 2005, and the 2000 Distinguished Service award from the Women's Forum of Amarillo. She was one of the 7 panhandle women to receive the 2000 Distinguished Service Award. She was preceded in death by her parents Leon and Eugenia VanVacter, her brother Leighton VanVacter, her husband Bill Reed, and son Ricky Reed. She is survived by her son Don and wife ViAnn of Stratford, daughter-in-law D'Lynn of Stratford, Grandsons Adam of Stratford, Brad and wife Rachael of Sunray, Brent and wife Alexa of Stratford. Granddaughter Katelyn Salcido and husband Cesar of Stratford. Great grandchildren Brayson, Aubrey, Brexlann, Raegan, Brynlee, Kollin. And numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Lollipop Junction, PO Box 411, Stratford, TX 79084 or Sherman County Area Foundation, PO Box 48, Stratford, TX 79084 or Sherman County Library, PO Box 46, Dumas, TX 79029. Interment will be at 10 o'clock in the morning on Thursday, April 22, 2021 in the Stratford Cemetery. Memorial Services will follow at 11 o'clock at First Baptist Church with Pastor Michael Rinne, officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 5 oclock to 7 oclock in the evening at the funeral home. Arrangements are entrusted to Beeson ~ Morrison Funeral Directors. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Margaret Kate Reed, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.