Frederick A. Reiff

Frederick A. Reiff, of Springfield departed this life at age 86, and entered eternal life peacefully in his sleep, on Thursday, December 21, 2017. He was born February 21, 1931 on the family farm in Oxford, OH to Adolph Reiff and Katherine (Wetzer) Reiff Woolums. Frederick graduated from McGuffey High school in Oxford and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Miami University. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army and served during the Korean War. A fond memory was his time in Germany and Austria. Frederick was a teacher before moving to Springfield in 1952. He then built his own business of 65 years as an Insurance Agent, and was still practicing until recently becoming ill. He thoroughly enjoyed his career and was devoted to his many customers. His kindness included helping those less fortunate to make a better life for themselves. He served as an active member of St. Mark United Methodist Church, and loved his family too. Known as the patriarch of the family, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. His purpose in life was to always provide for his family, especially his wife (whom he met on a blind date and married 62 years ago, September 3, 1955) Phyllis (Wise) Reiff. He also leaves behind their children: Melissa Warner of Los Gatos, CA, and her children Grant Hendricks and Riley Warner; Kristan (Jerry) Payton of Springfield, and their children Betsy and Kailee Bowshier, and Wyatt Payton, step children Jason (Natalie) Payton and Sarah Payton; Kyle (Vicki) Reiff of Springfield, and their children Allayna and Weston Reiff; Matthew (Tina) Reiff of Columbia, SC, and their son Dominic Reiff; great grandchildren Taylyne, Garrett, Jadalynne and Ja’Miah; siblings Catherine Webb, Kenneth (Linda) Reiff, Kathy (Larry) Snelling, Calvert (Louise) Woolums and Warren (Becky) Woolums; dear family friend Helen Brumfield, and dear sisters-in-law Barbara Somers and Kathi Wise. He was preceded in death by his beloved son-in-law Gary Warner on December 14, 2017, brother-in-law Dennis Wise, and siblings Clara Belle Davis and Clyde Reiff. A Celebration of Frederick’s Life will be held Monday, February 19, 2018 at 11:00 AM. in St. Mark United Methodist Church with Rev. Merrill Mellott officiating. The family will receive visitors following the service. Donations may be made in Frederick’s memory to Honor Flight, 300 E. Auburn Ave., Springfield, OH 45505 or to St. Mark United Methodist Church, 2043 Memorial Dr., Springfield, OH 45505. The family is being served by the RICHARDS, RAFF & DUNBAR MEMORIAL HOME. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.richardsraffanddunbar.com.