Joan Ambrose Reiff

Joan Ambrose Reiff, 88 years old, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at her home in Marianna, Florida.  Her love and devotion to her children and grandchildren along with her unwavering faith in God, Joan was the beloved matriarch of the Reiff family.

Born November 3,1934, in Maplewood, New Jersey, Joan was the only child of Helen and Joseph Ambrose. As a teenager, she and her parents moved to Miami, Florida, where she graduated from Miami Edison High School and entered University of Florida as a Freshman.  While at the University of Florida, Joan was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and met her future husband, Charles Reiff, Jr. of Marianna, Florida. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. Upon graduating, Joan taught 4th grade in Miami and Charlie was accepted into the Naval Officer School for Pilot training.

After marrying in Miami, they were stationed at several Naval Air Stations and once Charlie completed his commitment they returned to Marianna and the family business, Chipola Nurseries, Inc. Unfortunately, Charlie died at 35 years old. Joan then became President of Chipola Nurseries, Inc, working alongside Charlie Reiff, Sr. and remained in that position for 17 years.

Known for her ease of frequent conversation even with total strangers, she was a gracious southern lady who possessed a contagious smile. Throughout her life, she maintained a sweet and kind demeanor that won the trust and hearts of all her knew her.

Surviving family includes, Julie Reiff Rucker and her late husband, Scott Rucker of Atlanta, Georgia; Charles Reiff, III and wife, Karen Saliga Reiff of Marianna, Florida, Robert Reiff and wife, Beth Ditty Reiff of Marianna, Florida; grandchildren, Amanda Rucker Lanier and husband, Luke Lanier of Mountain Brook, Alabama, Austin Scott Rucker and wife, Lauren Schmidt Rucker of Atlanta, Georgia, Taylor Jacob Reiff of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Charlie Reiff, IV of Panama City, Florida and James Ambrose Reiff of Chattanooga, Tennessee; as well as her great-grandchild, Luke Barner Lanier, III of Mountain Brook, Alabama.

Interment services for Joan will be private. Marianna Chapel Funeral Home will be directing. 

Flowers will be omitted. Please join the family for a celebration of life ceremony on Friday, February 3, 2023, from 4:30 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at River Town Community Church (RCC) 4534 Lafayette Street, Marianna, Florida 32446.

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