Reba E. Files

1924 - 2024

Reba E. Files

April 18, 1924 - September 7, 2024

Milesburg, Pennsylvania - 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, PA, 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; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one 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.