Way—Emily Way, 104, on April 23, 2026, peacefully, at Foxdale Village, a Quaker retirement community in State College, Pa. Emily was born on October 19, 1921, to Brooks and Jesse Quigley Hobbs in rural Hanover, Bucks County, Pa. One of six children, she attended a one-room school as a child and graduated from Wells High School in Newell, W.V. She earned her bachelor of science degree in early childhood education from Slippery Rock State Teachers College. She taught second grade at the Centre Township School in Beaver County, Pa.
Emily married Elwood Way on August 2, 1947, and they settled on his family’s farm, the Way Fruit Farm, in rural Halfmoon Township, Centre County, Pa. She soon joined Elwood as a member of State College (Pa.) Meeting, Centre Quarterly Meeting, and Baltimore Yearly Meeting. Emily was active in all three. Emily taught First-day school in State College Meeting for many years, and was clerk of the Laurelton Committee. She was also a member of the Literature Committee.
Emily and Elwood bought the family farm in 1950. Emily became active in her community as a member of the Halfmoon Grange, the Halfmoon Garden Cub, and the Centre County Farmers Association’s Women’s Committee. She served as treasurer of the Halfmoon Women’s Christian Temperance Union for many years.
In addition to raising their four sons, Emily kept house and assisted her husband growing apples and peaches, as well as in the sales room, until they retired in 1983. Emily and Elwood moved to Foxdale Village in 2005.
Emily’s life was strongly rooted in faith and family.
She was predeceased by her husband, Elwood Way, in 2016; and by her three brothers and two sisters.
Emily is survived by four children, David Way (Terry), Donald Way, Brooks Way (Sharon), and Stanley Way (Anne); seven grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.
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