Barbara Lucille Rees

Barbara Lucille Rees, 85, of the Overlook Medical Clinic, in New Wilmington, passed away January 1, 2010. She was born on April 8, 1924 in New Castle and was the oldest daughter of the late Ray M. and Lillian V. (Gardner) Hilyard.

Barbara was a 1942 graduate of Eastbrook High School. She was raised on her Family’s Farm by Lakewood Beach in New Castle, where she learned the value of hard work. During WW II she worked as a government inspector and later worked at the Shennago Pottery Co. She met her husband the late Charles S. Rees while working at Islay’s in Downtown, New Castle. They were married on August 28, 1948 for 42 years. Charles passed away on August 7, 1990. Barbara also worked at Hites Dairy on West Washington St. and took care of many children and the elderly through the years.

Barb enjoyed her friends, adored her family and loved caring for them. Anyone that came to her house was always invited to the kitchen for something good to eat. She enjoyed bingo, bowling, board games, a good book and singing fun songs like “A Capital Ship”—one of her favorites. Once asked what her words of wisdom were, she responded, “Be thankful for what you have and put your trust in God”.

Barbara was a member of the First Alliance Church in Neshannock Township (formally know as the Person Street Gospel Tabernacle) for over 50 years. She was also a member of the VFW Post 522 Women’s Auxiliary.

Barbara was a loving mother who was very proud of her six children. Five of her children and spouses survive her, three sons, Charles and Eugenie Rees Jr., Thomas Rees, Gordon and Julie Rees all of New Castle, and two daughters, Lou Ann and G. David Woerner of Chile, and Marcy and Kenneth Carroll of Mechanicsville, VA. Her son Dennis R. Rees preceded her in death on April 29, 2008.

In addition to her children, she is also survived by three brothers and two sisters and spouses, David and Ann Hilyard of Elizabethtown, Pa, Dwight Hilyard, Daniel and Lisa Hilyard , Thelma Hall, Lois and Patsy Fiello, and one Sister-in-law Mrs. Charles Hilyard all of New Castle. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Two great grandchildren, twin baby boys and two brothers Charles and Curtis Hilyard also precede her in death.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 8, 2010 from 5 pm to 8 pm and Saturday, January 9, 2010 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at the First Alliance Church, 111 Mission Meade Drive, New Castle.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 11:30 am at First Alliance Church. Pastor Thomas Barnts of First Alliance Church will be officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are by the William F. & Roger M. DeCarbo Funeral Home. On-line condolences can be sent to: www.williamrogerdecarbo.com.