Hilda L. Dreese, 89, of Beech Creek and formerly of Milesburg, died Sunday, May 1, 2011, at home.
She was born on Jan. 16, 1922, a daughter of the late Roy B. and Myda B. (McCartney) Leathers. She graduated from Bellefonte High School in 1939. She married Frank E. Dreese, of Milbrook in Hagerstown, Md., on Sept. 3, 1939. Frank preceded her in death on April 18, 2007. They were married for 67 years. She worked at Sylvania in Mill Hall and Ordinance Research Lab (now Applied Research Lab) in State College from 1958 to 1972. She graduated May 17, 1974, as a licensed practical nurse and worked at Centre Community Hospital until her retirement in 1987.
She was a member of United Methodist Church in Runville, the Milesburg/Boggs Township Senior Citizens, and the Pleasant Valley Ladies Aid. She enjoyed reading, camping, cross-stitch work, and spending time with her family.
She is survived by her two sons, Jerry B. Dreese, of Runville and David F. Dreese Sr., of Beech Creek; a daughter, Alyce A. Wells, of San Mateo, Fla.; 10 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Marjorie Minemyer, of Johnstown, Estella J. (Joseph D.) Hicks, of Milesburg, Doris (Thomas E.) Rhoads, of Tucson, Ariz., and Marilyn Ream, of Beech Creek. In addition to her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, David Stanford Leathers and Donald Roy Leathers.
Friends will be received from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at Dean K. Wetzler Funeral Home, 201 Spring St., Milesburg. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at the funeral home, with Pastor Doug Mellott officiating. Burial will be at Eagle Cemetery in Curtin.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory can be made to Community Nursing Service, 204 Woodward Ave., Lock Haven, PA, 17745.