Evelyn M. Reese

Evelyn (Landis) Reese, aged 101, of New Holland, PA, departed from this Earth peacefully on June 18, 2025, to be with her Lord and Savior. Born on July 14, 1923, in Millersville, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Richard G. and Elsie I. (Goss) Landis. Evelyn married her high school sweetheart, Paul A. Reese, on December 13, 1942, and he predeceased her in 1986. In addition to her husband Paul, she was predeceased by her brothers, Rev. Richard V. Landis and Harold H. Landis.

Evelyn's strong spirit exemplified the best of the "Greatest Generation." She was raised in a loving and hardworking family in Groffdale, PA, during the Great Depression. After graduating from New Holland High School in 1941, she enrolled in and graduated from Bryland School of Cosmetology in Lancaster. She became proprietor of a beauty shop in Groffdale until World War II was over.

Their pursuit of education took Evelyn and Paul to new places where they experienced many adventures. The journey began with two years at Penn State (Pennsylvania State University), continued with a move to Montana, and ended in Socorro at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. When Paul graduated and began his career, Evelyn started her higher education at New Mexico Western College in Silver City, New Mexico, to pursue her degree.

From there, the road took many twists and turns. They moved often – to Massachusetts, Utah, Arizona, and Connecticut. By 1966, they circled back home to Lancaster County where they purchased property with land and settled in at Mount Airy Farm, where Evelyn opened an Antique and Import Shop. Over the years, her customers became her friends, returning year after year. She enjoyed those relationships and had great fun finding bargains at auctions and flea markets.

Always active in her church, she taught Sunday school, led prayer and Bible studies, and served as a pianist well into her 90s. Evelyn lived independently until October 2018 when, at age 95, she became very ill with meningitis. She had a miraculous recovery and, after a period in a rehabilitation facility, she became a resident of Country Meadows in Lancaster, PA. True to her nature, she continued to stay active and be of service to her fellow residents.

Life brought her joy, along with hardships and losses, which she handled with faith and perseverance. She was quite the letter writer and always had a good story to tell. Although widowed for 39 years, she talked of Paul like he had left yesterday. He was always in her heart. She grew with the times, was sharp as a tack, and was an inspiration to all who were fortunate to have known her.

And so, the curtain goes down on a long life well lived – full of hard work, fun and silliness, caring and strength. We honor her independent spirit and zest for life. We respect her many accomplishments and remember her faith in God and her faith in us to carry on. She made the world a better place and we will miss her presence tremendously.

Evelyn was blessed with 5 children. Her daughters Cheryl A. Sensenig (husband Lamar) and P. Renee Henry survive her. She was predeceased by her daughter, Paula L. Reese, her son, Michael E. Reese, and her daughter Judy Westwood Clements.

She was also the proud grandmother of 12 grandchildren: Alison, Craig, Whitney, Corby, Jennifer, Rachel, Kimmy, Jesse, Aimee, and John, Matthew, and Rich.

Evelyn was also blessed with 22 great-grandchildren: Amber, Kelsey, Delaney, Nicholas, Sydney, Samantha, Zac, Robert, Alex, Landon, Evan, Justin, Tynika, Teanna, Titaunia (Tibby), Tyrese, Neveah, Kaylie, Phoenix, Felicity, John V (JV) and Niko.

She was further blessed with 7 great-great-grandchildren: Amiyah, Trinity, Legend, Sterling, Luna, Josiah, and Aiden.

Evelyn will also be deeply missed by her many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and all those who were fortunate to be close to her heart throughout her remarkable 101 years.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday June 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Groff High Funeral Home, 145 W Main Street, New Holland PA 17557. A Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be held in Mount Airy Evangelical Church Cemetery.

Groff High Funeral Home in New Holland is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.