Shirlee Jean Reed Buzzetti

1944 - 2025

Shirlee Jean Reed Buzzetti passed away on November 3, 2025 after sudden complications with her heart at Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital. She was born on October 20, 1944 to Velma Reed and John J. Reed in Elko, Nevada. She joined brother, Robert, and made their family complete.

She grew up on her family's ranch at Willow Creek in Jiggs, Nevada. There she developed a love for ranching and raising cattle. She learned to be a quality cattlewoman and rancher from her dad and his siblings. She loved cowboying with her family; seeing the world between the ears of her favorite horse with her favorite dog in tow.

She graduated from Elko High School in 1962 and then attended UNR. She graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 1966. She developed lifelong friendships, while at college, that she cherished through the years. On September 4, 1965 she married her brother Bob's buddy, Eugene Buzzetti of Lamoille; a union that would last more than 60 years. She taught 3rd and 4th grades at Grammar #2 and Northside Elementary until they decided they would start a family. While they waited for the kids to come, she spent many happy days cowboying with her dad, John J., on the ranch at Willow Creek. In 1967, they bought Leo's Radiator Shop and would have the business until 2006. They welcomed son, Tony, to the family in 1971 and brother, Mitch, followed in 1973. In 1975, they moved to Lamoille to build their home and raise their kids on the Buzzetti Ranch. In 1978, their daughter, Kathi, joined the clan.

All of her life she spent her springs helping with her bovines' maternity ward, summers in her tractor mowing hay and falls working and gathering cows. She had many happy memories growing up in Jiggs, with her dear friend Rita Mitchell Holdren. She showed the Grand Champion Lamb at the 1960 Elko County Fair and was crowned Silver State Stampede Rodeo Queen in 1963. She had great fun with her friend, Mary Branscomb, teaching horsemanship to the members of the Lamoille 4-H Club and helping with the Ruby Mtn riding for the handicapped.

Her greatest joy was in having her family so close and sharing her love for her horses, cows and dogs with them on the ranch. Days spent branding calves, working cows, hunting or snowmobiling with all of her family were the best days. She was a common sight in the bleachers or on the sidelines watching her grandkids play the sports they loved. She was full of pride for, loyal to and protective of her family. Her home was always cheerfully decorated in seasonal décor and a welcoming place for her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband, Gene, sons Tony (Tammy), Mitch (Rachel), daughter Kathi (Andy)Wines; and 9 grandchildren; Anthony, Hunter, Ruby, Ella, Jade and Lane Buzzetti; and Wyatt, Will and Waylon Wines. She is also survived by her niece, nephews and numerous cousins & close family friends that she loved very much. She is preceded in death by her parents, John & Velma, and brother, Robert.

Funeral Services will be Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, followed by a celebration of life at the Basque Clubhouse. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Shirlee's name to a memorial scholarship for young livestock producers at the Elko Co Fair. Contributions can be sent to Elko County Fair Board, PO Box 2067, Elko, Nevada 89803.