Barbara Joan Reiff, age 88, of Springfield, Missouri

Barbara Joan Reiff, age 88, of Springfield, Missouri, left for her heavenly home, January 30, 2024. She entered this life on July 3, 1935, the daughter of Elmer Althoff and Pearl Faye (Snyder) Althoff in East St. Louis, Illinois. Joan was joined in marriage to Reverend Thomas E. Reiff on February 28, 1952.

With a great love for God, Joan enjoyed attending church and reading passages from her Bible, as well as, spending time in prayer for her friends and family. At home, she could be found sewing and reading both books and selections from her extensive magazine collection.  Joan also liked to go shopping and visiting with friends and family along the way.

Joan worked hard as an advocate for those less fortunate. She served as the Tarrant County Senior Services director and more recently as a caseworker for the Baptist Boys Home in Harrison, Arkansas.  She achieved academic success by attending Pittsburg State University and was granted a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and a Master’s Degree in Science.  In addition, she served as an Associate Professor at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.

Joan is survived by daughters: Tomi J. (Reiff) Robinson of Green Valley, Arizona, Robin L. (Reiff) Baldwin of Sebastian, Florida; son, Todd M. Reiff of Rogers, Arkansas; sixteen grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Thomas E. Reiff of Omaha, Arkansas; daughters: Joni V. (Reiff) Novick of South Wales, New York, Jill A. (Reiff) Stovall of Omaha, Arkansas, mother, Pearl Faye (Snyder) Althoff of O’Fallon, Illinois and father, Elmer Althoff of Birmingham, Alabama.

There will be a family memorial service for Joan held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations for Haven Hospice, Jacobs Ladder or Mission Dignity would be appreciated.  These organizations do amazing work with those in need and were of great comfort to Joan. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.