Ida Fay (Reber) Wildermuth, 91 – First in Family to Graduate High School

Ida Fay (Reber) Wildermuth, 91, formerly of Orwigsburg, passed away Tuesday, February 4, at Providence Place, Pottsville, where she had been a resident.

Born in Cressona on December 9, 1933, she was a daughter of the late Clayton E. and Alma (Herring) Reber.

Proudly married nearly 72 years, she was the loving wife of Ray A. Wildermuth.

Ida was second youngest of a large family of nine children whose father was killed in a mine cave-in when she was just 18 months old. She was devoted to her mother and siblings, as they overcame the challenges of the Great Depression through strong family bonds, values she carried throughout her life.

As a young teen, Ida loved dance, taking lessons in tap and jazz. She was the ace catcher for the Schuylkill Haven Jets softball team, who went on to capture several state titles. As a member of the Schuylkill Haven High School Class of 1951, Ida was the first in her family to graduate.

Throughout her adult life, Ida was an active member of Zion Red Church, Orwigsburg, where she taught Sunday school, served in Women’s Club and cooked for church events.

Ida worked at various Orwigsburg factories throughout her work career. Later in her life, she was an active member of Orwigsburg Senior Citizens.

At home in nature, Ida loved hikes with her family, enjoying wildlife and tending to her flower gardens. An avid pinochle player, she was always up for a game of cards with Ray and her ever-growing generations of players.

Above all else, nothing meant more to Ida than her beloved family. She was amazed how she and Ray grew from just the two of them to a large, loving family.

She is survived by her two sons: Richard Wildermuth, husband of Kim, of Pine Grove, and Robin Wildermuth, husband of Cindy, of Tafton; and daughter Susan, wife of Richard Grickis, of Auburn.

Ida was the proud Nana to 9 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

The last surviving member of her immediate family, Ida is also preceded in death by all of her siblings: Wilbert, Henry, Clarence, Kara Lynn and Pearl Reber, Dorothy Hauptly, Joyce Luckenbill and Alberta Huntzinger.

She is also preceded in death by her grandson, Adam Grickis, and great-great-grandson Koda Mount.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be conducted on March 28 at 11 a.m. at Zion Red Church, Orwigsburg, with the Rev. Dr. Jan Remer-Osborn officiating.

A visitation will be held from 10 until the time of service at the church. Interment will be private.

At the request of Ida’s family, in lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Habitat for Humanity International, 322 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709-3543 USA (www.habitat.org/donate), or to Zion Red Church, 1287 Centre Turnpike, Orwigsburg, PA 17961.

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