Mary Alice Reber, 78, died today (May 12, 2004) at her residence in Newton.
She was born June 13, 1925, to Irvie and Lucy (Watkins) Miller in Newton. They preceded her in death. She married Lawrence E. Reber June 3, 1944, at the Air Force Chapel in El Paso, Texas. He preceded her in death Jan. 19, 1970. She was a life-long member of First Baptist Church in Newton. She was a co-owner along with her husband of the former Larry's Drive-In, Newton. She also owned Reber's Fashions for 19 years. She also co-owned Reber's Christmas Tree Farm. After her retirement in 1985, she worked part-time for Dave's Delicacies, Len and Flo's, SRS, and the Red Cross. She was an active member of many organizations including the Newton Chamber of Commerce and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was active in her Church and in the Pansy Circle, Mother's Club, and the Mission Circle. She also helped teach elementary Sunday School. She was an active volunteer at Friendly Acres and received the caregiver of the year award in 2000.
Other survivors include: a son, Larry Reber and wife Dee of Newton; two daughters, LeeAnn Reber of Newton and Marilyn Wallace and husband Edd of Newton; a sister, Ruby Dreier of Hesston; and four grandsons, Joseph Donatelli, Cody Reber, Chad Wallace, and Jeremy Wallace. She was preceded in death by a brother, Raymond Miller, and a grandson, Eric Wallace.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday with family greeting friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Petersen Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church with Pastor Timothy Conner officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Memorials have been established with the First Baptist Church and the American Heart Association, both in care of the funeral home.
