Obituary of Eleanor Stewart Reese , 98

Eleanor Louise Stewart Reese, 98 of State College, went to be with her Lord on Monday, December 22, 2014 at the Village at Penn State, State College.

She was born on July 11, 1916, in Pittsburgh, PA, the daughter of Russell Stewart and Josephine Schindler Stewart. Upon her mother’s untimely death in 1919 during the influenza epidemic, Eleanor lived briefly with her father. At approximately age 13 she was adopted by her uncle and his wife, Alexander Wilson Stewart and Mildred “Myrtle” Stewart, whom she truly felt were her parents and expressed gratitude for all they had done for her.

Eleanor graduated from the State College High School and received her B.S. degree in Liberal Arts from The Pennsylvania State University in 1936. She was just 19 years old.

On January 3, 1942, she married Robert J. Reese, who preceded her in death on April 15, 2002.

Eleanor was a loving mother and dedicated her life to her husband and her children. While raising five children, she assisted her husband with his business as a surveyor and developer.

She had a love of gardening and had a true “green thumb” with her flower gardens, which brought much joy and satisfaction. She was a great cook and baker for many years (to feed her large family), canned and made jellies. She will forever be remembered for her famous potato salad at family gatherings.

Eleanor did volunteer work with Meals on Wheels, Centre Community Hospital, the Red Cross, March of Dimes, Cancer Society, and the Girl Scouts to name a few.

She was an active member of the State College Presbyterian Church, where she was known as the “hat lady” because she was never seen in church without one!

When Eleanor moved into The Village at Penn State, she became known as the “walker” for she could be seen walking every day, be it inside or out.

Eleanor is survived by her five children: John S. Reese (Gretchen) of Savannah, GA, Charles S. Reese (Darla) of Coopersburg, PA, William H. Reese (Nancy) of Lafayette, IN, Rebecca L. Reese of State College, PA, and Robin Reese Hnat (Greg) of Greenwood, SC. She is survived by several nephews and one niece: Col. William H. Anders (Carol) of Santa Maria, CA, Robert A. Reese (Donna) of Howard, PA, Virginia Jane Reese of Ann Arbor, MI, Andrew, Robert and Ralph Stewart, all of the State College area. She is survived by five grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and many great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother Herbert “Skip” Stewart (Eleanor) of State College on May 26, 2009.

Visitation will be from 1 until 3 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2014 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton Street, State College.

Services will follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home with Reverend Dean Lindsey officiating.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.