Helen L. Cripe

Helen L. Hartranft Reyff Cripe, 95, of Goshen, died Thursday, January 11, 2018 at her home.

Helen was born to Florence and Thomas Hartranft on May 16, 1922 in Elkhart.  She graduated from Elkhart High School in June 1940.  She was immediately employed by Dr. L.F. Swihart as a doctor’s assistant.  She worked there until World War II started.

She was married to Frederick J. Reyff who was drafted into the U.S. Navy.  Helen left her work to join her husband and was hired by civil service at the United States Naval Powder Factory in Indian Head, Maryland as a clerk Stenographer.  Before the war ended they were both transferred to the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Washington DC.  When the war ended they returned to Elkhart.

She moved to Goshen in 1959.  On June 23, 1973 she married Galen J. Cripe.  They had a wonderful marriage of 33 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands, Frederick J. Reyff and Galen J. Cripe; a brother, Jack Hartranft and a sister, Mary Jane Yoder.

Survivors include a son, Thomas J. (Cheryl) Reyff, Middlebury; a daughter, Dianne Reyff (John) Andreula, Old Bridge, New Jersey; four grandchildren, Michelle (David) Vasquez, Madison, Wisconsin, Erica (tom) Parry, Mt. Clair, New Jersey, Jason T. Deel, Alexandra, Virginia and Camden (Kim) Forbes, Middlebury; three great-grandchildren; two step-daughters, Debbie Ott and Rita Phillips; two step-sons, Jerry Lee Cripe and Jeff Cripe and numerous step grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Helen worked 18 years for CTS Corporation, Elkhart.  After she and Galen retired they spent 31 wonderful winters in Sebring, Florida.  She played the organ, decorated many cakes, macromaed lawn chairs and painted on shirts, all for family and friends.  She furnished entertainment for coffee hours and park dinners and led a kitchen band for many years.

She was a member of Cornerstone Christian Fellowship Church.  She was a lifetime member of the Eastern Star.

There will be no visitation.  She will be cremated and a graveside service will be held at a later date with Rev. Terry Miller officiating.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.