Obituary
Anna
Reba E. Files passed from a long and beautiful life into the hands of her Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ on September 7, 2024. She was a longtime resident of
State College, PA, and more recently of Bellefonte. Reba lived for 100 years.
Born
on April 18, 1924, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, Reba was the daughter of
the late Frank A. and Mary C. (Piper) Edmonson. On June 19, 1943, she married
her beloved husband, Wilber (Bill) Files, who preceded her in death on January
5, 2002 after 59 years of marriage.
She
is survived by her four devoted children - Marilyn Saverance (Bud) of
Bellefonte, PA, Sharon Africa (Jay) of Hummelstown, PA, Elaine Files of
Hummelstown, PA and David Files of Bellefonte; eleven grandchildren, 20
great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson.
In
addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her parents, her brother,
Claire Edmonson, her sister, Vivian Baker, her sister Eleanor Hoover, and her
daughter-in-law, Nancy Palfey (David).
After
graduating from Fannett Township High School, Frankin County, PA, Reba attended
Chambersburg Business School and then worked at Letterkenny Army Depot
supporting the war effort. Reba and Bill were married
while Bill was serving in the Army Signal Corps. After Bill completed his
service, he, Reba, and baby Marilyn were among the first to live at Windcrest
(veteran’s housing at Penn State). After graduation, State College became their
home where they raised their children and had wonderful, active years together.
Reba
was one of the first graduates of the South Hills Business School. She worked
at the Pennsylvania State Education Association before landing her dream job,
working with Bill as his personal secretary and business manager at his busy
communications company.
Reba
and Bill loved to travel together. After retiring, they traveled to all fifty
states, completing this adventure on their 50th wedding anniversary by going to
both Hawaii and Alaska.
Reba
was loved by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her positive outlook
on life and her ready smile were among her distinctive characteristics. She was
a faithful, praying member of St. Paul’s UMC for 73 years. She loved to play
bridge, mahjong, and numerous other games with her family and many lifelong
friends.
The
family would like to thank the supportive teams from Gentiva Hospice and Eagle
Valley Assisted Living Facility. Their loving care of Reba provided her and her
family both comfort and ease in her final months.
Reba’s
funeral and burial will be private at the convenience of her family. In lieu of
flowers, contributions may be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in
State College, PA.
An
online guestbook may be signed and condolences left for the family at
www.hakygeorgianafh.com