Reba M. Griffith, age 93

November 20, 1929 – June 4, 2023

Reba M. Griffith, age 93, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 7:20 AM – Sunday June 4, 2023, at the Villas of Hollybrook in Newton, Illinois.

Funeral service celebrating Reba's life will be held at 10:30 AM – Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Central Christian Church in Newton, Illinois, with Mike Knepper officiating.  Burial will be in the Kerns Cemetery near Gila, Illinois.  Visitation will be held 5:00 to 7:00 PM – Friday, June 9, 2023, at the church.  In loving memory of Reba, memorials may be made to the Central Christian Church.  Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Dieterich, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.

Reba was born on November 20, 1929, in Lafayette Township, Coles County, Illinois, the daughter of Luther "Shorty" and Jennie (Myers) Oakley.  She married Earl Griffith on November 7, 1948, and he preceded her in death on January 16, 1998.

Reba graduated from Newton Community High School with the Class of 1948 and was the Valedictorian of her class.  In the 1960's, she and Earl owned and operated Griffith Grocery on the Apple Shed Road.  For many years, she and Earl owned operated Griffith Wood Shop.

Reba was a faithful member of Central Christian Church in Newton.  She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, playing the bass guitar and mandolin.  For many years she played with area bands, especially the Gila Hillbillies.

Reba is survived by:

Sons – Steve (Stella) Griffith of Alamogordo, New Mexico; Dale (Danell) Griffith of Crosby, Texas; and Joe (Connie) Griffith of Jewett, Illinois

Grandchildren – Angela (Jamie) Kostelyk, Michael (Christina) Griffith, Emma (Rob) Powell, Michael Greiner Griffith, Melissa (Rob) Olmstead and Christina (Garrett) Ochs

18 Great Grandchildren

3 Great-great Grandchildren

Brother – Bill (Betty) Oakley of Newton, Illinois

Sister-in-law – Ruth Wright of Dieterich, Illinois

Reba was preceded in death by her parents, husband, granddaughter Veronica Marquez, sisters Louise Nichols and Shirley Oakley, brother-in-law Bernard Nichols, brother-in-law Cedric Wright, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Evelyn and Charles Helmink.