We lost a very special lady this past week. Harriet Reid (Schleicher). Central Auto Racing Boosters Hall of Fame and Museum send our deepest sympathy to the family. You will be missed.
Harriet Lee Reid, 89, died peacefully in her sleep October 6, 2024 at Via Christi Village-Assisted Living. She was born June 29, 1935 in Kansas City, KS, the daughter of Harry and Theresa (Ivanovich) Schleicher.
Harriet graduated from Washinton Rural High School, class of 1953. Following graduation, Harriet went to work for IBM where she worked for 38 years as an administrative assistant and saw many changes in the workplace. She won many awards during her years at IBM. She also ran the elevator for the Huron building during the summer and weekends.
In 1957 she married Robert (Bob) Reid, in Kansas City, KS. They would have celebrated 67 years of marriage on November 23, 2024. From this union they had one daughter, Susan Marie, who kept her running and they enjoyed spoiling as an only child.
Life after Susan arrived involved 4-H as they were an active family in the Nearman 4-H Club in Wyandotte County. Harriet felt strongly that livestock needed to be a part of the 4-H experience and so she and Susan brought home a lamb in the back seat of her Dodge Dart and Susan’s sheep project was started. Even working full-time, Harriet was a great 4-H parent making sure Susan and her friends were ready for each and every event and activity.
Harriet, Bob and Susan also spent a lot of time with their racing family. Harriet, along with Bob worked at the old Lakeside Speedway on Leavenworth Road and then became co-owners of the new Lakeside Speedway in Wolcott. They were passionate about racing in the Kansas City area and spent so much time working at the new track. Weekends were spent traveling the country to watch NASCAR, World of Outlaw, USAC and Indy Car races and the memories made on those trips were treasured by all who went on them. Harriet was a member of the Central Auto Racing Boosters and the Dragsters of Kansas City.
Harriet’s world changed forever when grandson Reid David was born in 1995. He was the center of her universe and the two had a special bond from the very beginning. She could be found cooking with him in the kitchen, reading books to him or just snuggled up in bed with him. When Harriet was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, it was Reid who gave her hope and a reason to fight. She set a goal to see Reid make it to kindergarten, then the goal was First Communion, then 8th grade graduation, high school graduation and then college graduation. Harriet made all of those goals! She was Reid’s biggest cheerleader and could always be found in the bleachers for his 4-H or livestock shows and as it became too difficult for her to travel, she always wanted a phone call debrief the next day.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Dorothy Dolinar. Harriet leaves behind her husband, Robert of the home; her daughter, Susan Shipman (David) Manhattan, KS; grandson, Reid Shipman, Manhattan, KS; brother, Don Schleicher (Arlene) Rock Hill, SC; bonus son Bernie Tobiason (Carol) Shawnee, KS; nieces Carol Horn (Chris) and Teri Gray and nephew Donald Schleicher along with numerous great nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to Jessie Plummer for providing such amazing care the last year to both Harriet and Bob. Harriet’s wish was to pass in her home and not in a hospital/nursing home and Jessie’s care allowed that wish to happen. The family is eternally grateful for her assistance!
Visitation will be Friday, October 11, 2024 at 9:00 am to 10:30 am the Christ the King Catholic church, 3024 N 53rd St., Kansas City, KS. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 am with Father Nick Blaha, officiating. A private family burial is scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Wyandotte County Fair Association. 13700 Polfer Rd, Kansas City, KS 66109.
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