Reba E. Battaglia

Reba Evelyn (Somes) Battaglia (87) went home peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 26, 2015. Reba was the youngest of two daughters born to loving parents Smith and Bertha Somes on May 17, 1927 on a farm near Baldwinsville, NY. Her childhood on the farm and love of country living continued throughout her life. It was passed on to her children through their experiences spending summers and vacations helping Grandma and Grandpa and enjoying Mom's wonderful country cooking and canning. Upon graduation from high school Reba attended Albany State Teacher's College ( now SUNY) in Albany, NY where she graduated with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Education and Latin. During that time she began attending InterVarsity Christian Fellowship meetings and an active local church where she met her future husband Michael Battaglia who was attending nearby Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. It was at an InterVarsity retreat that Reba was challenged by a simple illustration that, just as we place our trust in a chair to hold us, she needed to place her faith in Jesus as the One who died to pay for her sin, and she did. Mike also came to trust Christ during those years and they were married on June 23, 1951. Their love deepened and grew over the next 57 years until Mike's death on January 20, 2009. She missed him greatly and we rejoice they are now reunited in heaven. Together they raised six children while living in Philadelphia, PA, Saugerties, NY and Williston, VT until retiring to Cedarville, OH. Reba was a faithful and loyal wife, loving mother, caring friend and faithful servant to her friends, neighbors and many in her church families. Her children and their spouses could not have asked for a more loving, supportive, and godly Mom. Her love, care, and prayers will be deeply missed. In her later years, she enjoyed calls and visits from her 25 grandchildren,19 great grandchildren and reunions with extended family. She also appreciated, supported and served her church, Grace Baptist in Cedarville. Reba especially enjoyed the fellowship of her "Philadelphia" Sunday school class along with Pastor Miller's preaching of the Word. Reba was predeceased by her husband Michael E. Battaglia, sister Margaret (Somes) Burton and beloved first grandson, Nathan Battaglia. Survivors include her children Michael E. Battaglia Jr and wife Carin, John Battaglia and wife Ellen, Peter Battaglia and wife Leah, Ruth Williams and husband Bill, Joel Battaglia and wife Kristie, Deborah Entner and husband Michael, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the many caregivers, medical personnel, and the support and love of her friends and church family during her declining health the last few years. Services include visiting hours on Monday, March 30, at Grace Baptist Church in Cedarville from 12:00 - 2:00 pm followed by the funeral service at 2 pm. Interment will follow at the North Cemetery.

Reba E. Battaglia

May 17, 1927 - March 26, 2015