Delford Ernest Rieff
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Obituary
Delford Ernest Rieff
99, a resident of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, passed away February 1, 2009 at the Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville. He was born October 2, 1909 near Strickler, Arkansas, the son of Clint Wade and Eunice McBride Rieff.
Delford married Mamie Edmiston on June 27, 1935. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Prairie Grove where he was a trustee and past treasurer. He was associated with The Farmers and Merchants Bank from 1929 until 1992, served as president from 1946 until 1984, and was chairman of the Board of Directors from 1984 until 1992. He was past Prairie Grove City Treasurer and City Council member for thirty years. He served as a member of Prairie Grove School Board, Washington County Fair Board, Washington County Democrat Central Committee, Washington County Election Commission, Masonic Lodge Number 436, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Valley of Fort Smith, Shriners International, Washington County Soil Conservation, Arkansas Industrial Development Commission and Prairie Grove Battlefield Park Commission. For twenty years he served on the Washington County Hospital Board and was a charter member of Prairie Grove Lions Club.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mamie, three sisters, Alice Baker, Bessie McKnight and Jewell McNeeley, and one brother, Arvil Wade Rieff.
Survivors include one son, James C. “Jim” Rieff and his wife Susan of Prairie Grove, Arkansas; two granddaughters, Leslie Fitzgerald and her husband Pat of Carl Junction, Missouri, and Barbara "Boo" Edmiston and her husband Steve of Prairie Grove, Arkansas and four great-grandchildren, Parker and Kennedy Fitzgerald, Alex and Cole Edmiston.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Prairie Grove Library - P.O. Box 10 - Prairie Grove, AR 72753 or Life Ministries - P.O. Box 536 - Prairie Grove, AR 72753 or Prairie Grove Cemetery - 751 East Parks - Prairie Grove, AR 72753.
The visitation will be Tuesday, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Luginbuel Chapel in Prairie Grove.
Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2009 - 2:00 P.M. at the First United Methodist Church in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Interment will be in the Prairie Grove Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Luginbuel Funeral Home of Prairie Grove, Arkansas. The complete obituary may be viewed on the Luginbuel Web Page. To sign the online guest book, visit www.luginbuel.com
99, a resident of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, passed away February 1, 2009 at the Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville. He was born October 2, 1909 near Strickler, Arkansas, the son of Clint Wade and Eunice McBride Rieff.
Delford married Mamie Edmiston on June 27, 1935. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Prairie Grove where he was a trustee and past treasurer. He was associated with The Farmers and Merchants Bank from 1929 until 1992, served as president from 1946 until 1984, and was chairman of the Board of Directors from 1984 until 1992. He was past Prairie Grove City Treasurer and City Council member for thirty years. He served as a member of Prairie Grove School Board, Washington County Fair Board, Washington County Democrat Central Committee, Washington County Election Commission, Masonic Lodge Number 436, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Valley of Fort Smith, Shriners International, Washington County Soil Conservation, Arkansas Industrial Development Commission and Prairie Grove Battlefield Park Commission. For twenty years he served on the Washington County Hospital Board and was a charter member of Prairie Grove Lions Club.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mamie, three sisters, Alice Baker, Bessie McKnight and Jewell McNeeley, and one brother, Arvil Wade Rieff.
Survivors include one son, James C. “Jim” Rieff and his wife Susan of Prairie Grove, Arkansas; two granddaughters, Leslie Fitzgerald and her husband Pat of Carl Junction, Missouri, and Barbara "Boo" Edmiston and her husband Steve of Prairie Grove, Arkansas and four great-grandchildren, Parker and Kennedy Fitzgerald, Alex and Cole Edmiston.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Prairie Grove Library - P.O. Box 10 - Prairie Grove, AR 72753 or Life Ministries - P.O. Box 536 - Prairie Grove, AR 72753 or Prairie Grove Cemetery - 751 East Parks - Prairie Grove, AR 72753.
The visitation will be Tuesday, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Luginbuel Chapel in Prairie Grove.
Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2009 - 2:00 P.M. at the First United Methodist Church in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Interment will be in the Prairie Grove Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Luginbuel Funeral Home of Prairie Grove, Arkansas. The complete obituary may be viewed on the Luginbuel Web Page. To sign the online guest book, visit www.luginbuel.com
Funeral Service
2:00 pm
First United Methodist Church - Prairie Grove, Arkansas
Visitation
3:00 pm
Luginbuel Chapel in Prairie Grove.
Final Resting Place
Prairie Grove Cemetery
North, Row 53, Space 150
General
Oct 2, 1909
Feb 1, 2009
99
Documents
Tributes
Delford was a fine man...helped a lot of people--in many ways.. our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
James And Amy Cooksey - Friend
Dear Jim and family, Delford was part of our "history"-my years of growing up and the beginning years of our marriage. We loved him for his faithful service to FUMC of Prairie Grove and for his integrity in the banking business. But most of all we loved him because he and Mamie raised an outstanding son who has continued to be faithful to community, church, and friends. We have been blessed for knowing all of you. Love to everyone. D.E. will be missed. Jim and Charlotte
Jim & Charlotte Fisher - Friend
Mr. Reiff was a very fine man who will be missed dearly.He has helped alot of people in the city of Prairie Grove.
Roger & Carol, Kenny, Kasey Hulse - Old Neighbor
JIM I WAS SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR FATHER HE WAS A GREAT GUY HE HELPED EVERYONE HE COULD. SONNY THOUGH A LOT OF HIM.I KNOW THEY ARE BOTH MISSED MAY GOD HELP. WITH ALL OF THIS. I KNOW IT IS HARD .LOTS OF LUCK YOURS TRULY PEGGY/GRANT// SMITH.
Peggy Smith - Good Frind Of My Husband And Me.
Jim, I am so sorry to hear of your dads passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Tracy Berzley - Renter
Jim, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. It is hard to lose the icons of our town, who taught us so much about life. Your dad was a true treasure of Prairie Grove. Sincerly Harold And Allyne Bottoms
Harold And Allyne Bottoms - Friend
To all of Mr. Delford's family we want to let you know that we are holding you up in our prayers and thoughts. We did not have the opportunity to meet him, however it is quite evident that he has a great family.
Ron And Mary Forbis - Aquaintance
To Jim, Susan and family, On behalf of Mother and the rest of our family our sympathy and prayers. Mary Ann
Mary Ann Estes (mcnair) - Family Friend
Delford was a friend of my dads . They knew each other as young men & on Deiford was a good friend to my dad . I lost dad 20 years ago & i pray that they are having a good time talking about old times . Im really sorry about you losing your dad My dad was Arthur Lee 'PHIL Evans Virginia Ruth 'Evans" Chase
Virginia Chase - Aquaintance
There are some fine people in this world, and then there's people like D.E. Rieff. A truly wonderful gentleman who will be missed by everyone in Prairie Grove and far beyond. Our thoughts are with Jim and Susan, Barbara and Boo, and their families.
Larry & Kimberly Jones
Of course, I meant Leslie and Boo. I chuckled out loud after I pushed "send" and noticed the mistake. Delford once pointed out a misprint I made in the Enterprise. Many had pointed out mistakes I had made before and afterwards, but I was horrified that Delford noticed. He was very nice about it... just wanted me to know. I guess it's only fitting I messed this up.
Larry & Kimberly Jones
To Jim Rieff & Family: May God richly bless and comfort each of you during this time. I remember Mr. Rieff coming to the office and visiting almost everyday with a big smile on his face and story to tell. He lived a full and rewarding life and will be greatly missed.
Michelle Ross Fox - I Used To Work For Jim Rieff
I always think of Delford as "the banker." What a good and long life he lived. He always seemed almost like family as I have known him all my life.
Connie (baker) Freriks - Friend
Jim, sad to read about the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Susan.
Don E. Fuller - Aquaintance
Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during your difficult time. ~Andrea Foren, Madison Vinson, Gary Foren
Andrea Foren
Our thoughts are with you during this time.
Dr. James Cooper - Cardiologist, Nwa Heart & Vascular Cntr
Jim and Susan: Please know that Sharon and I will have the Rieff family in our prayers. May the Lord sustain you in your time of grief.Blessings, Ron
Ron Tabor
Dear Jim,Susan,Leslie and Boo, We are so sorry about your dad and grandad. He was such a wonderful man and I will never forget the times Leslie and I spent with him while growing up. We will miss him always. God Bless all of you. Kelly and family
Kelly Bartholomew Huff - Family Friend
Delford was a friend in need. Once
he had been hunting all day. Our store had been robbed and he called at 10;00 P.M. T0 SEE IF WE
needed any help.Our sympathy for
your loss
Roland And Edna Davis - Friend
Carolyn and I extend our sympathy to you and your family on the death of your father. George McLeod
George And Carolyn McLeod - Friend Of Jim
Our Prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Treasure the wonderful memories. Much Love from Colorado. AEKDB
Gar & Susan Puryear
Delford was always very kind and patient to me 30 years ago when I first met him. He was very easy to discuss business with and I think both Delford and Jim made doing business very pleasurable and after all kindness and patience are desirable virtues we should all strive to emulate. May Christ be very close to the family during this difficult time.
Mark McNair - Friend & Business
When I was about ten years old, my mother asked Uncle Delford if he would teach me to swim --Bless his heart--he did not have a clue to the difficulties ahead. He took Jim and me to a creek beside a road somewhere. Jim already knew how to swim and when we left a good amount of time later Jim, of course still knew how to swim and I still did not know how to swim. But he tried, Uncle Delford certainly displayed a lot of patience trying to teach me to swim and I know that patience was a trait he showed all thru his life.
Shirley Lowry - Niece
A dad is a true treasure. Treasure the memories. Our thoughts and prayers are for you and your family. David and Susan
David & Susan Walt - Kz Brother
When I mentioned to Delford that his longevity might be attributed to the Arkansas air, he thought a minute, grinned and said "You just might be right." And then he said "My doctor told me to hug three women each day and if you can't find three to hug, then hug the same one three times."
Bob Lamons - Aquaintance
Jim,Susan,Leslie and Barbara, So sorry. Jim you know how much I loved your Dad. He was just like a grandfather. I'll miss him more than words can say.
Donald, Becky, And Dersam Children - Family Friend
Jim and Susan,sorry to read about your dad's death in the paper today. It was a pleasure to know him. Barry
Barry Niswanger - Friend
Of course I have very fond memories of Delford - Leslie can tell the story better than I can - but in a nutshell - one weekend when we were in college I came home to Prarie Grove with Leslie to meet her family. We walked into her granparents house and there was Delford - standing at the kitchen sink in his bloomers - slicing and eating a tomato I think. Mamie was horrified and cried out "Delford put your pants on - we have company"! He just laughed and stuck his hand out and said "Hi- I'm Delford Reiff - Nice to meet cha'!" It was halarious and a moment I will never forget. My deepest sympathies to you all - and also from Mike and Samantha. Love you all!
Jeananne Hawking - Lifetime Friend Of Leslie & Family
Raylene and I have many fond memories of Delford. Since the day Delford drove me around Prairie Grove looking for our first home I have been proud to call him my friend. We had many long visits about anything he wanted to talk about. I will always remember him as the sharing and caring person he was.
Rick And Raylene Reed - Friend Of Family
We were sad to hear of your Dad's passing. I am sure you have wonderful memories which will comfort you. All our best to your family. Pat and Sue Hale
Pat And Sue Hale - Friends
So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was a special person and will be missed by many.
Debbie And Jim Shofner - Friends
D.E. was my American granddad and I was hoping to meet him once more. God wanted otherwise. My thoughts are with you Jim, Susan, Les and Boo. Love, Tina
Martina Ödman - Finnish Granddaughter
I never had the privilege to meet Mr. Rieff--but I know Leslie and persons like Leslie don't become like her, unless they come from good stock--clearly Mr. Rieff was good stock. My condolences to the entire family.
Belinda Elliston - Friend Of Leslie
Jim, Susan, and Family, Just wanted to let you know that Amy and I are thinking of you all. We are sorry for your loss.
Ryan And Amy Brisiel - Friend Of Family
Please know that the family is in our prayers. Delford is someone that I always looked up to and enjoyed visiting with.
Scott F. Davis Family - Friend
My mother Nellie Rieff Buchanan was a first cousin of Delford and thought a lot of him. I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a good man.
Eva Jo Rieff Chambers - Cousin
Words could never express our sadness to hear the Mr. Rieff had passed away... it is so sad that we lose another pillar of this community so quickly.. but they have lived long hard lives and we have all learned from them, and are better people because they were a part of our lives... May Delford Rieff rest in peace... God has truly inherited one of our most special angels... and if you look at this community you will see him from one end to the other.. the things he gave this community are too numerous to mention but this community is a better place because of Delford Rieff... rest in peace our friend, mentor and inspiration... and to his family I can only say you meant so much to him and even though it is tough right now when you have the chance visit one of the places in this community that he was so passionate about... I hope you will have the same feeling I do... he is there.... and you can truly feel his love through the things he provided for the town of Prairie Grove... God Bless you all and be with you through this difficult time...
Fred & Debbie Dersam - Admirer And Friend
Mr. Rieff was a geat man and he will be missed by many. I did not know him on a very personal bases but I can remember being a kid and him living around the block from us. Our back yard were very close together. I can remember times he would cut through our driveway, yard, and once even our ditch to get to the alley way he had made from his back yard. My younger sister, she was probably 5 or 6 years old, was scared of his driving cause 90% of the time it was not slow. If we were outside she would holler, get on the porch here comes Mr. Rieff, she was so scared that he was gonna run her over. She sure was glad to see him put a culvert in the ditch and start using that driveway. He was truly a blessing to this community and anyone that has lived in it any time at all knows what wonderful things he has done for it and that he will not be forgotten. God Bless his family....
Tina Dersam James - Childhood Nieghbor
Delford was a fair man and a loyal friend. He helped Prairie Grove and the surrounding area to grow and prosper. Delford was a banker who was able to read people and help folks get started out in life even if they didn't have very much in material assets. He will be missed.
Preston And Charlene Cox - Friend
I know Delford will be missed, he was a very big part of Prairie Grove. My parents knew Delford well and always knew his as a good friend as well as in business. Sorry for your loss. Sue
Sue Wilswell McLay - Family Friend
Leslie, so sorry about your grandfather. All of you are in my prayers. Jeananne related a wonderful story about him to me, when she called to let me know he was gone. Loosing a loved one is so hard, but he is with the Lord in Heaven. Again, your all in my thoughts and prayers. Paula
Paula Sanders Steel - Friend
I'm sorry to hear about Delford's passing. The impact he had on me alone is unspeakable. He was the first person I ever earned a wage from. He taught me the value of a dollar, and it has helped me all these years. I'm praying for your family..
Jeremy Wade Freeman - Friend
I remember Delford,as a small girl, I went to the bank with My Daddy Charles Redfern, and Delford, would always give me a lollypop, and tease me, My Dad and Mother always told me,Delford is a fine Man, and if my dad told me that I knew it was true,and my memories of him was his big smile, and kindness, the pictures brought back good memories of when I lived in Prairie Grove. May God be with all of you Bill&Cathy Rhodes (Redfern)of Springfield MO.
Cathy Rhodes(redfern) - Aquaintance
Funeral Service
2:00 pm
First United Methodist Church - Prairie Grove, Arkansas
Visitation
3:00 pm
Luginbuel Chapel in Prairie Grove.
Final Resting Place
Prairie Grove Cemetery
North, Row 53, Space 150
General
Oct 2, 1909
Feb 1, 2009
99
Documents