Eudora Mureal Reif, 84, passed away on September 19, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri. She was born on May 7, 1942, to the late Troy Lamkins and Corrine Stoskopf in Great Bend, Kansas, and lived a life marked by kindness, faith, loyalty, and a deep love for the people and traditions that surrounded her.
Eudora grew up in Kansas and attended high school in Hoisington. After completing her schooling, she continued her education at beauty school in Hutchinson, Kansas, preparing herself for work that reflected both her practical skills and her care for others. She carried those qualities into every chapter of her life, meeting each responsibility with grace and a strong sense of purpose.
Eudora grew up in Kansas and attended high school in Hoisington. After completing her schooling, she continued her education at beauty school in Hutchinson, Kansas, preparing herself for work that reflected both her practical skills and her care for others. She carried those qualities into every chapter of her life, meeting each responsibility with grace and a strong sense of purpose.
Eudora married William "Bill" Demel on December 1, 1962, and to that union had 2 sons, Greg and Darren.
Eudora later married Donald "Don" Reif on March 2, 1996, in Great Bend, KS.
Over the years, Eudora worked at Murdy Motors in Hoisington and later at American State Bank in Great Bend. She eventually retired from JCPenney in Great Bend, where she was known for her reliability and friendly manner. In each place she worked, she left a positive impression on those around her. Her work ethic was steady and sincere, and she took pride in doing her part well.
Faith was an important part of Eudora's life. She was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Wichita, Kansas. She also valued her membership as a life member of the Carthage, Missouri VFW Auxiliary.
Eudora treasured time spent with family and friends. She especially enjoyed being surrounded by numerous relatives during holidays and family functions, where her presence added warmth and familiarity to every gathering. These times were among her most cherished, and she found great happiness in the laughter, conversation, and togetherness that came with them. She was a loving and devoted presence in the lives of those who knew her, and her family connections were a source of lasting joy.
In her quieter moments, Eudora enjoyed listening to music and audio books, pastimes that brought her comfort and companionship. She also looked forward to going to lunch with the M.E.S.S. group, made up of Marla, Eudora, Shirley, and Sharon. These outings were a special part of her life, offering friendship, conversation, and many shared memories. She also attended Bible study, where she continued to nurture her faith and enjoy the fellowship of others.
Eudora is survived by her children; Greg Demel (Patricia), Darren Demel (Sheila); Keith Reif (London), and Terry Reif (Lindsay); grandchildren, Molly Demel, Emily Demel, Claire Demel, Alec Basye (Alexis), Megan Carranco (Tony), Brad Reif, Brooke Barrett (Kelton), Brady Reif, Brennley Reif, Mallory Reif, and Gabrielle Reif; and great-grandchildren, Kolsen and Hadley Basye, Togi Carranco, and Lainey Barrett.
Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Don Reif; grandchild, Claire Demel; and siblings, Audrey Bennett, Cleve Lamkins, and David Lamkins.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. John's Cemetery Fund in Hoisington, Kansas.
Arrangements are under the direct care of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.
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