Betty Jo (Millard) Reihl

Betty Jo Reihl, age 97 of Mishawaka, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, with her family by her side.  Betty was born January 18, 1925, in Mishawaka, Indiana to the late Frederick and Leona (Merrit) Millard.  She was a graduate of Mishawaka High School. On August 21, 1942, she married Robert Reihl.  He preceded her in death on October 24, 2000.

She is survived by her children Sharon Hood and her husband Herchel of Elkhart, Bobbie Biermann of Osceola, and Fred Reihl and his longtime companion Linda Atwood of Mishawaka.  Surviving as well are her grandchildren Jamie Hood and his wife Georgette, Jeremy Hood and his wife Becca, Christopher Heist, Michelle Keefer and her husband Erik, Tina Cavinder, Nikki Barnett and her husband Jeremy and Dwayne Reihl and his wife Jennifer.  Surviving as well are 25 great grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter Nancy Heist, her sons in law Walter Heist and Chuck Biermann, and her sisters Marie Hardy and Patsy Dotson.

Visitation will be held from 4-6 pm Sunday, March 27, 2022, at Cedar Road Missionary Church in Osceola with funeral services to follow at 6pm.   Her grandson, Dwayne Reihl, will officiate the service and interment will follow on Monday morning where Betty will be laid to rest beside her husband Robert in Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Betty was employed for several years at Nyloncraft in Niles and later in the environmental services department at Notre Dame.  After her retirement, she focused on raising her family and became a homemaker.

In her spare time, Betty enjoyed working in her flower gardens, traveling with Robert to visit with family across the US, making ceramics and other crafts, taking rides with her family to share with them how the Michiana area she had lived in all her life had changed over the years.  She was also a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Betty will also be remembered as an avid reader by many who would often pass by her residence on Day Road and see her reading in the picture window of her home.

Most of all, she was a dedicated Christian who served faithfully while attending Pleasant Valley Church and Cedar Road Missionary Church in Osceola for many years.  In her memory, donations may be made to the Center for Hospice, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, Indiana 46545 or Camp Ray Bird, 25765 Edison Rd, South Bend, IN 46628.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Betty’s life, or leave a message of comfort for Betty’s family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.