Shirley M. Reiff

Shirley M. Reiff, 95, formerly of South Whitley and Columbia City, died peacefully at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester, where she had been a resident since May of 2019.

She was born May 26, 1925, in New Richmond, Wisc., a daughter of the late Alfred and Clara (Olson) Waters. Growing up during the Great Depression, she was raised by her aunt and uncle, Earl and Minnie Karr, in South Whitley. She completed her formal education at South Whitley High School.

She married Dale J. Reiff July 18, 1943. They made their home on a farm in rural South Whitley. Dale died Aug. 4, 1982. In 2017, Shirley moved to Columbia City.

A full-time homemaker raising two children, she also assisted her husband with the farm. A good seamstress, she would make and repair clothing for the family.

After raising the children, she pursued her artistic talent learning to paint at classes she took while on vacation at Mackinaw Island. She became an accomplished painter using oils, acrylics, and watercolors, gifting many of her works. Always enjoying fishing, the couple regularly vacation in northern Michigan and Wisconsin. In the early 1970s, they began wintering in Florida, eventually building a house in Bonita Springs. She liked to walk the warm Gulf beaches in search of a prized shell.

She was a member of the Pleasant View / Cornerstone Grace Church, South Whitley.

Surviving are her grandchildren, Rick A. Reiff, Stan D. (Randee) Reiff, and Doug J. (Terri) Reiff, all of South Whitley; and Denise Constantine of Georgia; great-grandchildren, Katee (Cord) Feasby, Kelly Reiff, Aly Reiff, Claire Reiff, and Dale Reiff.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Joyce Thomas, and a son, Steve J. Reiff and his wife, Doris; and siblings, Myrtle Grice, Violet Marcott, and Kenneth Waters.

The funeral service is 2 p.m. Monday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is beside her husband Dale at the South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation is from noon until the service Monday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Cornerstone Grace Church, South Whitley.