Monday, April 20, 2026 1:24 pm

Mary Ellen Reber loved Jesus with all her heart. She started trusting in His sacrifice for her sins even from the age of 4. She lived in Fort Mill, SC, but at age 71, she graduated into heaven on April 11, 2026.

She was born in Alliance, Ohio, on March 19, 1955 to James Rummell and Dorothy (Wallace) Rummell and graduated from Marlington High School in Ohio. Later, she received a one-year Bible certificate from Columbia Bible College in South Carolina.

As a teen and adult, Mary Ellen ministered first to children, then mostly to women, helping them to know God's love and find His only path to heaven. However, for the last 10 years of her life, she was devoted to the very important, but often neglected, ministry of discipleship. She wrote 39 discipleship booklets and a teacher's manual to help Christians become mature disciples themselves, but then also help other Christians to mature.

Chris Reber, her husband, served the Lord with Mary Ellen for over 37 years, including over 16 years as missionaries in a Muslim country in Asia.

Her father, mother, and brother (Glenn Rummell) preceded her in death, but her sister (Barbara Starkey) and 3 nephews (Jerry, Jean, and Brian Starkey) live in Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to "Jesus My King Church" at the address above or at www.jmkusa.com/giving, then click the "GIVE NOW" button. Finally change "Designate to:" from "General Offering" to "Missions." The funeral will be held at Jesus My King Church at 409 Polkville Rd, Shelby, NC 28150 on May 2. The viewing will start at 10 AM and the funeral service at 11 AM. The pastor of the church, Rev. Steven Francis, will be officiating.

There will also be a memorial service for Mary Ellen in Pennsylvania. It will be at New Covenant Christian Community Church at 126 S. Church St, Macungie, PA, at 11 AM on June 13, 2026. Everyone who has known Mary Ellen is invited.

Online condolences can be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.