MARIE ELIZABETH HALL REIFEISS,
age 97, born in Richmond, Virginia, November 2, 1924, the daughter of Susie Hall Sykes and Thomas Hall and met her Lord on January 15, 2022.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fredrick Lester Reifeiss of 52 years; her parents and son, Dr. Jerry Scott Reifeiss. Marie moved with her family to Conway, Arkansas, in 1960. She loved to entertain family and friends and enjoyed the lakes of Arkansas with her family. An excellent dancer, she loved going to the Conway Senior Citizen Center on Friday nights. She was a long-time member of the Second Baptist Church.
Survived by her sons, Gary Reifeiss (Sandra) of North Little Rock and Terry Reifeiss (Patty) of Conway, seven grandchildren and 12 great- grandchildren. Marie E. Hall was born and raised from modest means in Richmond, Va. She met her future husband Les Reifeiss during WWII while Les was stationed at the naval base in Norfolk, Va. During those days men and women lived for the day and hoped for tomorrow. After a whirlwind courtship they fell in love and married. Les, almost immediately left for a tour of duty in the Pacific. For her part in the war, Marie went to work at a munitions plant in Richmond praying for Les to return. He did. Several of the letters they had written back and forth were read at their 50th wedding anniversary celebration.
After the war they moved to St. Louis, Mo. Marie was taken back when met at the train station by her new crazy relatives driving a horse and carriage with a bouquet of carrots. Settling into her new inner-city lifestyle, she soon had their first two children. With a transfer to Conway, Ark., Marie and her family began the next phase of life. Marie soon had their third son. Throughout this time a bond developed between Marie and Les and the families of Les’s two sister that would constitute a foundation of strength and support lasting lifelong. They worked and played hard, never missing an opportunity for laughter. They’ve been called “The Greatest Generation” Marie exemplified that description. From humble beginnings, through the suffering and hardships of war, she grew in spirit and grace to a woman whose family came first. She was always there, always supporting, and always helping. Her Christian faith was rooted from her childhood and upbringing. Her laugh was her trademark. It was distinguishable in a crowd and as contagious as omicron is today. Her favorite expression was “Love you more.” She couldn’t have.
A graveside service for Ms. Reifeiss will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Conway, Arkansas. Memorial gifts may be made to the Arkansas Alzheimer’s Association of Arkansas. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway