Betty Jane Reaves., 92, of Emmitsburg, MD, died on Saturday, December 16, 2017, at the Kline Hospice House in Mt. Airy, MD. Born May 6, 1925 in Fairfield, PA, she was the daughter of the late Charles Edgar and Mary Alice (Bowling) Rohrbaugh. She was the devoted wife of the late John Rollins Reaves, Jr., who died July 20, 2012. She was also predeceased by a son, Gary Rollins Reaves, who died June 28, 1978.
She is survived by her son, the Rev. Ronald E. Reaves, and his wife, Lucretia, of Frederick, MD; a brother, Herbert Rohrbaugh, Sr. and his wife, Mary, of Emmitsburg; three grandchildren, Pamela Miles and her husband, Randy, of Williamsport, MD; Bradford Reaves and his wife, Andrea, of Winchester, VA, and Gregory Reaves of Albion, PA; and great-grandchildren, Delaney and Jordyn Miles, Noah Reaves and Chailene and Kristiauna Reaves. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Bobie Jean Reaves of Lake Mary, FL, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is appreciatively remembered by several close friends, neighbors and caregivers, especially Denise Sauvageau (who provided untold hours of love and care), Glenn Higgs (who helped Mom and her late husband, John, in numerous ways.) and Lee Joy. Appreciation is also extended to Frederick County Hospice caregivers and the staff at Kline Hospice House; also to caregivers, Judy Beall, Lydia Kelly, and Donna Willoughby; and the kindnesses of her neighbor, Tom Wilhide and next door neighbors, Patrick and Patricia Callery.
On April 17, 1945, Betty and her beloved husband, John, were married in the parsonage of Calvary Methodist Church, Frederick, MD, by the late Rev. Franklin Haas. They were married for 67 years.
She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother and friend to countless folks. She was a life-long member of Elias Lutheran Church in Emmitsburg. She enjoyed reading devotional books, loved Country & Western Music and has kept personal diaries since the 1980’s. During her husband’s career as an electrician and appliance store businessman, she worked tirelessly as a self-taught bookkeeper. Betty was a blessing to all who knew her.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home, 210 West Main Street, Emmitsburg, MD. A Service of Remembrance and Celebration of her life will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, December 20th at Elias Lutheran Church, 100 West North Ave., Emmitsburg, MD, with her pastor, the Rev. Jon R. Greenstone officiating. Interment will be in the Elias Lutheran Cemetery. Donations in memory of Betty Jane Reaves may be made to Elias Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 465., Emmitsburg, MD 21727, or Hospice of Frederick County, 516 Trail Avenue, Frederick, MD 21701.