Sarah Pauline "Polly" Reber Obituary

Sarah Pauline “Polly” Hayes Reber passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, at the age of 91. Polly was born in King’s Mountain, NC, on January 28, 1934, to Paul Eugene Hayes and Sarah Elizabeth Hayes (née Little). She loved to tell stories about growing up on her family’s small farm with her younger sister, Jane, and she felt a deep connection to her King’s Mountain roots throughout her life. 

After graduating from high school, Polly attended Appalachian State University. She welcomed daughter Sarah Constance “Connie” Fait (née Reames) in 1957 and son Harold “Hal” Reames in 1960. 

In 1968, Polly was working as a “dorm mom” at the Paterson School for Boys in Lenoir, NC, when she met the new math teacher, David Reber. They were married on March 29, 1969, and moved with Connie and Hal to Oxon Hill, MD, outside of Washington, DC, shortly after. Polly worked as a secretary, including at NASA, where she supported the Apollo 12 mission, the second manned moon landing. After her children left home, she and David moved to Flagstaff, AZ, before settling in Milwaukee to be closer to their granddaughters. They quickly became active members of the community, regulars at their favorite neighborhood restaurants, and devoted Packers fans. Polly was an active member of the All Saints’ Cathedral congregation for many years.  

Family and friends remember her sharp sense of humor, well-tended garden, and fastidious taste in music, art, and design. She was a hands-on grandparent and never missed a recital, graduation, or opportunity to make her granddaughters feel special. She delighted in being a great-grandparent.  

Polly is survived by her children, Connie Fait and Hal Reames (Robin); granddaughters Sarah Fait (Drew Saunders), Jennifer Fait, Aubrey Fait, Ashley Fait (Quinton Miller), and Jocelyn Fait (Eris Campbell); great-grandsons Grayson and Calum Miller; sister Jane Hinson; and niece Beth Wilson. She is preceded in death by her husband, David Reber, parents Paul and Sarah Hayes, son-in-law Dr. Gary Fait, and nephews Chris and Jeff Hinson. 

A memorial visitation will be held at All Saints’ Cathedral (818 East Juneau Ave., Milwaukee) on Saturday, August 23,2025, at 10 am, followed by a memorial service beginning at 11 am; inurnment and reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to All Saints’ Cathedral or the Alzheimer's Association.