of Gassville, AR
June 28, 1947 - October 4, 2025
Nancy ''Frau'' Reed was born June 28, 1947 in Malvern, Arkansas to the late Roy and Delphia (Morrison) Danuser. She began the second grade in Mountain Home Schools and graduated in 1965. She studied at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. While at Hendrix College, she spent a semester abroad at Phillips Universität in Marburg, Germany. Afterward, she transferred to Washington University in St. Louis because it offered a wider curriculum in German, her major. She earned a bachelor's degree in 1969 and a master's in 1970.
Nancy married Dwain Reed on January 17, 1970 and began teaching at Mountain Home High School. The next year she became a stay-at-home-mom, raising Chris and Emily. She returned to the classroom in 1981, initially teaching English as well as German. The demand for German was so great that soon she was teaching German only.
In 1983, Nancy began the German American Partnership Program that facilitated cultural exchanges between students at MHHS and Burg-Gymnasium in Schorndorf, Germany. This continued for many years until she handed the program off in 2010. During those years, Nancy built unbreakable bonds with friends and families in Mountain Home and Germany. The program continues to this day with MHHS students traveling to Regensburg in Bavaria. She retired after 35 year of teaching and was inducted into the Mountain Home Education Hall of Honor.
Nancy's efforts in and out of the classroom achieved much recognition. In 1993 she was awarded the National Certificate of Merit presented by the American Assn. of Teachers of German, having been nominated by German professors at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; University of Arkansas, Little Rock and Arkansas State University, Jonesboro. In 1993, the City of Schorndorf presented her with the prestigious Daimler Medallion, named for native son, Gottlieb Daimler, inventor of the combustion engine. It recognized Nancy for her work with the student exchange program and is given to those who are deemed to have made a significant contribution to the city.
Nancy is survived by her husband, Dwain of the home; daughter, Emily Reed (Lindsey); son, Chris Reed (Katrina); grandchildren, Emma Reed, Kally Benedict, Becca Benedict and Ryan Benedict; great-grandson, Zeke Segraves; sister, Beverly Richardson (Peter); brother-in-law, Louie Reed (Velma); Sisters-in-law, Diann Buck, Vivian Krotzer and Tammy Small (David) and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a host of cousins, countless friends and her two dogs, Buddy and Honey.
In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the Mountain Home Education Foundation, Food Bank of North Central Arkansas or Hospice of the Ozarks.
Visitation will be held at Roller Funeral Home, Wednesday, October 8th from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, October 9th beginning at 10:00 am with a private inurnment at a later date.
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60 Condolence(s)
Ajkuna Hoppe, German American Partnership Program (GAPP)
Monday, October 27, 2025
Dear Reed Family,
We at the German American Partnership Program (GAPP) are deeply saddened to learn of Nancy “Frau” Reed’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Frau Reed’s lifelong dedication to teaching and to building bridges between the United States and Germany has left an enduring legacy. Through her leadership with GAPP, she touched countless lives and fostered friendships that continue to connect our communities across borders. Her passion, kindness, and unwavering commitment to her students will be remembered with deep gratitude.
May you find comfort in knowing how many people were inspired by her work and by the warmth she shared with everyone who knew her.
With deepest sympathy,
AJkuna Hoppe and the GAPP team
Karen Coffman
Thursday, October 23, 2025
I am very sorry to learn about the death of Mrs Reed. Prayers for the family.
Ellen Mackercher
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
What an amazing woman! Our prayers of comfort to all the family!
Tina cagle - middle
Saturday, October 18, 2025
So very sorry for your loss, my deepest sympathy to all . She will be greatly missed .
Courtney Moody
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Nancy was one of the kindest people I knew. I always looked forward to coming in and seeing her. I wish I visited her sooner. ❤️ Rest easy beautiful.❤️
Dana Hopman
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Frau Reed was the absolute best German teacher and I was honored to be part of the GAPP program in high school. It was so sad to hear she passed. Sending prayers and condolences to the family and all that knew and loved her.
KC
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Frau was a wonderful teacher and I LOVED being in her class! I wasn't aware she had passed until reading the notices this morning, realizing I passed by. Prayers of comfort for family, friends and former students.
Kelly (Wall) Bedard
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Frau was truly one of a kind. I was so blessed and fortunate to be in her class for 3 years but also join her in Germany as a member of GAPP. She was a light, a force, and my life was forever changed by her. I am so grateful for her and those experiences. Because of her my daughter was also a member of GAPP with Herr Francis! My heart and prayers go out to her family.
Sherry Cowart
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Prayers Dewayne, Chris and Emily sorry for your loss. May god lift you up during this time and bring comfort.
Carol knight
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Dwain and family I am so sorry for your loss.
Cheryl Ozols
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Condolences to Nancy’s family, friends, co-educators and former students. Appreciate her years of effort as an educator and the impressive work she did with the German Program. She will be missed.
Ana Jelena Peric
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Frau was an amazing woman. I got to know her through GAPP 15. I still think about the great times I had in the US in 2001 and 2006. She will always hold a special place in my heart.
Ashlea Haun Meier
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Frau, was a wonderful, kind person. I remember she said that if any one of her students needed help in life to give her a call. We knew she meant it. Her love of German culture and Germany was a passion she generously spread to others.
Winsome Harris
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Frau Reed was one of a kind!!! Prayers to family.
Susan and Steve Bergman
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Nancy, now at ease with the angels, your keen wit, intelligence, and love inspired students, colleagues and the communities, here and in Germany.
Prayers for comfort to your family.
Donnie Dilbeck Pitchford
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Dwain and family. My thoughts are with you at this time. Prayers are lifted to God for comfort and peace.
Becky
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Emily, I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family.
Steffen „Steve“ Roesch
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Thank you Frau for your Support and efforts for GAPP. I miss and will never forget you. Steve GAPP 5
Paula Roddy
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Sorry for your loss
Sincere sympathy
Paula Roddy
Angela Masotto
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
I still talk about Frau and her German I and II classes. Frau showed so much passion in her teaching that it made anyone witnessing it love German. She had the biggest heart and her students felt it. She made learning fun, serious and hilarious all in one. She had such a warmth and big heart. She’ll be severely missed. Thank you, Frau, for everything.
Rachel Wilson
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Frau Reed is so near and dear in many of our hearts. Her devotion to her students shined through her teaching and establishment of the GAPP Program. Because of her, countless families formed unbreakable bonds that would span across the world for years to come. She is a legacy and an inspiration to all! I will never forget how loving, playful, and supportive she was.
Ashleigh
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Frau was an amazing woman, and she allowed me to have one of the best experiences of my life through GAPP. I am going to miss her so much. Even after graduation, she was proud of all the things I went on to do. She will always hold a special place in my heart, and my thoughts go out to her family and loved ones.
Wayne (Frankie) Thomas
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Duane, sorry to hear about Nancy. Have pleasant memories of her at the Cave & Village.
Paul/Mynnette Reeves
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chris and Emily, and their father. So sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. Didn't have her as a teacher but heard she was a really sweet lady!
Jake Whitehead
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Frau Reed was such a magnificent person and truly a treasure to the community. She had a very spirited presence and had a way of speaking to her students that made them feel valued and seen. She impacted the lives of so many. I always smile when I think of her. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Christina Heller
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
I’m so sad to hear about her passing. She was a wonderful person and it can’t be emphasized enough what she did for her students and for opening up horizons and getting to know Germany and European culture. I’m honored to having gotten to know Frau and being able to continue the Gapp exchange. I’ll always keep you in my heart, Nancy! RIP.
Judith R. Bearden
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Emily - My deepest sympathy
Lisa Moore Cimino
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Frau Reed, our most favorite teacher, will be forever missed. She changed my life in summer 1985 with GAPP 2 and for my son Vincent with GAPP 22. We both caught the travel bug from those amazing experiences in Schorndorf and Regensburg, learning so much from her-- just forever grateful. Sending prayers to all the family, so very sorry for your loss.
Carol (Crownover) Tucker
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Dear Dwain and family, so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. May God bless and comfort you all. Love, Carol
Jackie (Gronert) Fenton
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Frau Reed had such a huge influence in my life. GAPP 1 even though I struggled with my German she saw something in me. Forever grateful. Rest now Frau your work here on earth is done. Fly with the Angels…
Gwenn Queen
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Dwain, my sincere condolences. God bless you and your family.
Howard and Woodena Mays
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Dwain amd Family,
You have our condolences. So sorry for your loss. Praying for you all.
God bless you all.
Howard and Woodena (Cranfill) Mays
Dave Crenshaw
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
I am very sorry to learn of Nancy’s passing. My condolences to her family, friends, and the community she created as a gifted educator. May God’s presence be felt during this time.
Carrie Jones
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Frau Reed, you will be dearly missed. Frau was a shining example of what an educator should be. I will cherish the memories we made and I am eternally grateful for her love, mentorship, and words of wisdom. My family and I will be praying for her loved ones in this time of grief.
Tammy Shelley
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
I didn’t have Mrs. Reed for German but I had her in 10th grade English. She was one of my very favorite teachers. She was always kind and had a smile on her face. She was a wonderful lady who did a lot for her students and school. We lost a great lady but Heaven gained one of the best! Praying for her family and friends 🙏❤️🙏
Mike and Dianna Roller
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Mr. Dwain and family,
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Nancy. She was a very special person and she will be missed by all of those who were fortunate enough to have known and loved her. Her smile would brighten any room. She was a very dedicated teacher and touched many, many students and their families. She definitely made an impact.
Please accept our sincere condolences. You have our deepest and heartfelt sympathy at this time of loss. We hope you can find comfort in all the wonderful memories of Nancy.
We will keep you and all your family in our thoughts and prayers as you navigate through your loss.
Nancy will always be remembered and cherished.
Mike and Dianna Roller
Karen Maupin
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Sweet Nancy! How she will be missed! I am grateful to have known her as both my colleague and friend and I will treasure the days we had together at MHHS. I pray for God’s comfort and strength to surround all of her precious loved ones. ❤️🙏🏼
Karly Kohlman
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
I will always be eternally grateful for the lessons Mrs. Reed passed down to me. She went above and beyond teaching just the material, and truly taught compassion. I think about her often. She will be dearly missed.
Kathy Gonten
Monday, October 6, 2025
My prayers for peace go out to Nancy’s friends and family! I taught with Nancy for many years! She was an awesome teacher, mentor, and friend! 💕🙏
Amanda Kelley
Monday, October 6, 2025
Nancy was a special lady, and I’m so thankful to have been able to call her friend. Prayers to the family, so sorry for your loss.
Sara Linnemann
Monday, October 6, 2025
Frau Reed was one of my favorite teachers. I had taken German l and German ll and loved both classes. She loved all her students and her GAPP kiddos. She will be missed dearly.
Tommy Walter
Monday, October 6, 2025
She was the most amazing person who loved her students. My heart breaks for her family. We will love you always, Frau.
Love,
Herr Elvis (Tommy)
Kira Bailey
Monday, October 6, 2025
I will never forget Frau. She was a big reason why I continued to go to school. I will always remember the tales of howling along with her basset hounds. I am truly grateful for her!
Carolyn Swetnam Kidwell, Jan Swetnam Sorrells
Monday, October 6, 2025
We are so very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for the family in this difficult time.
Julie Graves
Monday, October 6, 2025
Sending condolences on your family’s loss from the Swetnam family. I didn’t have the privilege of knowing her but Mom and Dad spoke of Dwaine and Nancy often. Prayers for the family.
Hanna (Douget) McMinn
Monday, October 6, 2025
I will be forever thankful for the opportunities that Frau gave me in high school. Without her, I never would have visited Germany and learned the wonders of its people and culture. They say if you don’t use a language you lose it, but thanks to her wonderful teaching I still know some German to this day.
Rest in peace Frau, and thank you for everything!
JIM AND JO STRIDER
Monday, October 6, 2025
We got to know Nancy thru GAPP 1. She did not think small. She was determinate that all qualified kids would make it to Germany cost free. So of course that meant everyone would go cost free. Very special lady. REST IN PEACE!
Bill Atkinson
Monday, October 6, 2025
Mrs. Reed had such a profund impact on so many, including myself, by opening up the world to young minds.
Vielen Dank
Sharleta, Sharon and Regina Cranfill
Monday, October 6, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Nancy will be greatly missed. She was such a wonderful and delightful person. A great friend as well.
Karen Maupin
Monday, October 6, 2025
Sweet Nancy! How she will be missed! I am grateful to have known her as both my colleague and friend and I will treasure the days we had together at MHHS. I pray for God’s comfort and strength to surround all of her precious loved ones. ❤️🙏🏼
Jill Riley
Monday, October 6, 2025
The teacher everybody wanted to have! Although I never got that opportunity, you did not walk the halls of MHHS without knowing her warmth, kindness and fun spirit. She made opportunities for kids and a difference for all.
Gladys Rapprecht
Monday, October 6, 2025
"My deepest condolences. I am truly grateful that I had the chance to meet Nancy Reed. I was able to visit her twice, and every time it felt so warm and welcoming – like being part of a family. I have never met a hostess like her before. I feel truly blessed to have known her."
Stefanie N Ritter
Monday, October 6, 2025
Frau was an amazing lady. I will always be so grateful I got to participate in GAPP 4. I still think about the fun times we had in Germany. We will all miss her so much. Thinking of her family and friends.
Steffi
Julia Reed
Monday, October 6, 2025
So sorry for your families loss and prayers going out to your family. Love you Nancy Reed.
Mandy Cheek
Monday, October 6, 2025
Frau was my absolute favorite educator, and she gave me the most amazing experience in GAPP. She will be missed so very much. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kathy Gonten
Monday, October 6, 2025
My prayers for peace go out to Nancy’s friends and family! I taught with Nancy for many years! She was an awesome teacher, mentor, and friend! 💕🙏
Zach Martin
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Frau Reed was a fantastic educator and while I only took a semester of her classes, her presence left a lasting impact on me. She will be missed and my thoughts are with her family
Phillip & Brenda Reed, Burl Reed
Sunday, October 5, 2025
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joyce Lechtenberger
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Our sincere and heartfelt condolences.
Ron, Joyce, Jennifer & Cole Lechtenberger
Lou Annis Kelley
Saturday, October 4, 2025
My love and heartfelt sympathy for Nancy's family. So many memories flood my soul.