Reba C. Moninger

NORTH BENNINGTON -- Reba C. Moninger, 94, widow of T. Reed Moninger, beloved mother of Linda Moninger Farrell and Mary Moninger-Elia, beloved grandmother of Brian Reed Farrell, and former longtime resident of Elm Street in Bennington, died after a long illness, Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2004, at Prospect Nursing Home in North Bennington.

She was born in Essex, Ohio on Jan. 4, 1910. She was the eldest child of the late Estella and Guy Chapman.

Reba received her education in Mt. Victory, Ohio and at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. On June 25, 1935, she married T. Reed Moninger at the First Methodist Church in Chappaqua, N.Y. They moved to Bennington in 1941. Her husband Reed died in 1966.

Reba had a lifelong commitment to education. She taught for nine years in Mt. Victory, Ohio. In Bennington, she was a substitute teacher as she raised her daughters, and then she taught for 17 years in Bennington Elementary School. She served on the PTA and citizens committees for new schools. Reba was elected to the Bennington School Board for 12 years and during that time she served as chairwoman for three years. She also served for 20 years as a director and secretary of the Cooper-Kelly Educational Fund. Reba was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma (women’s educational honorary sorority) and Bennington Area Retired Teacher’s Association.

Reba was active in the First United Methodist Church of Bennington for many years after joining in 1942. She served on many church committees: women’s society, superintendent of Sunday school, cranberry bazaar and circle I. She worked as leader of the Methodist Youth Fellowship for several years.

Reba was a member of the Red Mountain Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star in Arlington. For many years she was an avid bridge player. Mrs. Moninger also enjoyed basketball as a young player, later as a coach at Mt. Victory and finally as a spectator.

Reba is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Joseph Farrell of Delmar, N.Y. and Mary and Pasquale Elia of West Haven, Conn. She is also survived by her cherished grandson, Brian Reed Farrell of Larchmont, N.Y. and his fiancee Ellen Descisciolo. Surviving sisters include Hazel Good of Toledo, Ohio, Esther Naus of Albuquerque, N.M. and Vona Marie Batdorf of Pinckney, Mich. She is survived by numerous nieces, and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Reed, Reba is predeceased by her sisters, Thelma Silverthorn and Mae Belle Boros, and her brother, Glenn Chapman.

Reba’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff and management of Watson House and Prospect Nursing Home for the excellent care which they lovingly provided her during her residence.

The funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon, Jan. 2, 2005, at 3:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 440 Main St. in Bennington with the Rev. Arthur Hagy Jr., a close family friend, officiating. Friends may call at the Mahar & Son Funeral Home on Sunday from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Memorials in her honor may be made to the Delta Kappa Gamma educational scholarship fund or to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association through the Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main St., Bennington, VT 05201.

Members of the Red Mountain Lodge Order of the Eastern Star are invited to gather at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. to conduct services.