Nancy Reiff

COLUMBIA CITY - Nancy Jean Reiff, 81, of Columbia City, Indiana, died peacefully in the company of family on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at Lutheran Life Villages at Inverness, Fort Wayne.

She was born on March 4, 1944, in Elmhurst, Illinois, to Vernon and Eleanor (Forke) Landmeier.

Nancy grew up in St. Charles, Illinois, graduating from high school in 1962. Highlights of her community involvement during this time include being a candy striper, Class President and Homecoming Queen. She also participated in marching band, choir, and learned to play the piano, which she did throughout her life.

Nancy attended Valparaiso University for two years and then attended Lutheran School of Nursing in Fort Wayne for three years. She became an RN in 1967.

Nancy worked at Lutheran General Hospital in Parkridge, Illinois, for three years. She then returned to Fort Wayne to teach obstetric nursing at Lutheran School of Nursing for several years. After that, she balanced raising four children, while managing the office for Reiff Construction Co.

She married Jerry Reiff in 1970, and lived in Columbia City, Indiana, with him for the rest of her life. Nancy passionately supported her husband and children.

Community involvement was important to her as she served on the board for the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce, volunteered with Cancer Services, was a member of Whitley County Parliamentary Law and Literary Club. She was always active in her church and community.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Jerry Reiff; children, Eric (Erica) Reiff; of Denver, Colorado, Laura (Jon) Underwood, of Columbia City, Lisa (Mike Thomas) Reiff, of Columbia City, Brandon (Samantha) Reiff, of Lakewood, Colorado; stepson, Rick (Vicki) Reiff, of Larwill, Indiana; 12 grandkids, Madeline, Ava, Jack, Max, Francesca, Mathilda, Ursula, Beatrix, Noa, Ender, Kerstin and Kevin; and three great-grandchildren; and brother, Larry (Cindy) Landmeier

Nancy was preceded in death by her father, Vernon Landmeier; mother, Eleanor Landmeier; and brother, Allen Landmeier.

Anyone who has met Nancy felt her charm, graciousness and sincerity. She made everyone feel important and was always willing to extend a helping hand. Nancy's joy for life will be sorely missed.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at the funeral home.

Memorials in Nancy's honor are to Lutheran Life Villages.

Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.