Conaly Reed

Conaly Reed, 91, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026, in Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by his children Staci and Charlie.

Conaly was born on February 21, 1935, in Hulbert, near Vinita, Oklahoma, to Omer and Alta May Reed. He was lovingly supported and encouraged by his three devoted sisters, Dorothy June Pippin, Beatrice D. Stack, and Hester Peggy Ginnings, who helped ensure he received a college education. He also shared a special bond with his younger brother, Charles Dale Reed, whom he helped raise.

Conaly earned a degree in Accounting from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He later moved to New Mexico, where he established a successful personal and commercial insurance agency in Roswell. Through hard work, integrity, and a genuine interest in people, he built a respected business that served the community for more than 45 years.

In 1958, Conaly married Marion Annette Ellis in Colorado. Together they raised two children, Staci Lyn Reed Kosick and Charles Conaly Reed.

A gifted artist, Conaly's lifelong passion was oil painting. He found great joy in capturing the landscapes, culture, and spirit of the American Southwest through his artwork and spent countless hours at the easel doing what he loved most—painting. Christian faith was an important cornerstone of Conaly's life. Raised in the Baptist tradition, he later became active in the Presbyterian and Church of Christ communities. He was a dedicated community volunteer and leader, helping raise significant funds for organizations including the Salvation Army, United Way, and many other charitable causes throughout the years.

Conaly also served in the National Guard and remained proud of his military service throughout his life.

In 1998, Conaly married Alice Elizabeth (Bracher) Smith during a beach ceremony in Hawaii. They shared more than 25 wonderful years of marriage, traveling extensively throughout the country in their motorhome and enjoying gardening, painting, and life together in Capitan, New Mexico, before settling in Rio Rancho and Corrales for their later years. 

Conaly was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Marianne Annette (Marion) Reed; his wife, Alice Elizabeth Reed; all four of his siblings and his son-in-law, Pat Kosick.

He is survived by his children, Staci Lyn Reed Kosick and Charles Conaly Reed (Lindsay Ross); his stepchildren, Jan Turri (Chris), Eric Smith (Holly), and Alan Smith (Gerry Betz); his grandchildren, Chelsi Reed and Taylor Reed; his step-grandchildren, Jera Eaton, Jason Smith, and Stephanie Jurado; his great-grandchildren, Nolan, Sophia, Tali, Aidan, and Abby; and seven step-great-grandchildren.

Conaly was a cowboy without a horse, but never without a smile. He left behind a lifetime of laughter, stories, and unforgettable charm. He possessed the remarkable superpower of remembering everyone's name, making each person he met feel valued and important. Known for his endless stories, clean jokes—and occasionally not-so-clean ones—he brought laughter and joy wherever he went. His warmth, humor, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed by his family and countless friends. Those who loved him take comfort in imagining that his next journey includes a few good horses, old friends, and another story waiting to be told.

A private celebration of Conaly's life will be held in Capitan, New Mexico, at a future date.