Helen Lea Reed, age 86, formerly of Buckhannon, died Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Valentines Assisted Living in Elkins, where she had been a resident for the past several years.

She was born on July 10, 1939, in Buckhannon, a daughter of the late Charles Ray and Lois Edna Talbott Westfall. On February 18, 1961, she was united in marriage to Robert Lee “Bob” Reed, who preceded her in death on October 7, 2022. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by siblings: Margaret Eleanor Oppelt and husband Edward, Betty Rae Stalnaker and husband Corby, Dana Edward Westfall and wife Rose Marie, Richard Wayne Westfall and wife Geraldine (Jerri), Edna Ruth Westfall, James Warren Westfall and wife Jane Ann, and Alvin Kent Westfall. She was also preceded in death by her and Robert’s infant son Robert David Reed.

She is survived by five children: Robert Reed and wife Jennifer, Steven Reed, Sandra Reed and wife Susan, Donna Reed, and Thomas Reed; two sisters: Doris Jean Hones and Karen Ann Westfall Conner and husband Larry; two brothers: David Westfall and wife Karen and Steve Westfall and wife Anne; and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and close family friends.

Helen’s natural loving, caring instincts began at a young age as she cared for her younger sisters and brothers and babysat for family and neighbors. She was then employed as a switchboard operator early in her long life, before devoting herself to her family where she was remembered as a Troop Mother of Boy Scouts Troop 100 and assisted with the many other activities of her children. She also worked with her husband Robert at their accounting business, Reed Enterprises, for many years. She enjoyed playing cards and games, working puzzles, and vacationing with family and friends.

The family would like to extend their gracious thanks to the Upshur County Senior Center and Cheryl DeBarr, the owners and staff of Valentines Assisted Living, and WV Caring Hospice.

At the request of the deceased, the body will be cremated and a memorial service and inurnment will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to your favorite children’s charity.

Online condolences may be extended to the Reed family at www.heavnerandcutright.com. The Reed family entrusted the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service with the arrangements.

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