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.
