Emma Jane Reif

Emma Jane (Freund) Reif, 87, passed away on June 5^th, 2026, in the presence of her loving husband of 66 years, Marvin D. Reif.

Born in Nashville, KS on October 30^th, 1938. Emma Jane was the beloved daughter of Ferdinand M. Freund and Marie Elizabeth (Gorges) Freund. She grew up in the farming community of St. Leo, KS which gave her a lifelong love of open spaces and the intrinsic desire to get her hands in the dirt every spring to plant flowers. Emma Jane attended St. Mary of the Plains in Dodge City, KS and trained at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Hutchinson, KS where she received her X-ray Technician’s diploma. After their wedding on Sept. 12^th, 1959, Emma Jane and Marvin started their married life in Wichita, KS.

Emma Jane was a devoted wife and mother. She is survived by her husband, Marvin, her children Debbie Winter (Patrick), Gary Reif (Sue), Sharon Bartal (Ely), Jennifer Clupny (Kenny), 8 Grandchildren, 10 Great Grandchildren and survived by her brother Richard Freund. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings JoAnn (Freund) Moore, Eugene Freund, Elmer Freund, Margaret (Freund) Turner, and her beloved grandson Ryan Patrick Chadd.

Emma Jane started her professional career at West Street Doctor’s Park (now known as West Wichita Family Physicians (WWFP)) and for over 40 years helped cared for many west Wichita patients. It was a family joke that Emma Jane couldn’t go anywhere without running into someone she knew. If they were a patient at WWFP she more than likely knew their name, their spouse’s and children’s names, and was genuinely interested in their well- being.

Emma Jane enjoyed planting and caring for flowers, reading, and hand-stitching baby blankets for her Great Grandchildren. Throughout her life she was devoted to the teachings of the Catholic Church. Before sleep at night, Emma Jane would say the rosary and would often fall asleep with the rosary in her hand. She remembered her mom saying, “If you fall asleep while saying the rosary, the angels will finish the prayers for you.”

Those who knew Emma Jane will remember her for her devotion to her faith, the love for her family, and her love of laughter. She will be greatly missed by those that had the privilege to know her and be loved by her.

Rosary and Funeral at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church (3642 N. Ridge Rd., Wichita). Rosary at 10:00 am and Funeral Mass at 10:30 am, Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.