Margene was born on June 26, 1943, the daughter of Otis and Mary Kopfer Meier, sister of Marian. She married Philip Reif on October 26, 1968. All preceded her in death.
Margene was proud to be from “Back of the Yards” and graduated from St. Augustine High School in Chicago. She worked at Sears in Chicago where her friend Evelyn Reif introduced her to Phil. They moved to Morton and then built a house in rural Mackinaw, where she embraced the country life. They joined and then ran the Peoria chapter of Les Amis Du Van for many years. They volunteered in the art community, first at the Peoria Art Guild and later at the Checkered Raven. Once retired, they enjoyed traveling and being together. After Phil’s death, she stayed active with family and friends, found creative outlets like knitting and card making and loved laughter and any kind of game (especially Skip-Bo!). She was adventurous and was up for anything, Star Wars, hiking up volcanoes, and death metal shows (Cavern Womb’s biggest fan). She had just embarked on her latest adventure by joining the Concordia Village community and was loving every minute.
Margene is survived by her daughters, Michelle (husband, Steve) McFarland of Lancaster, PA and Samantha Reif of Springfield, IL; and grandchild, Alex McFarland of Philadelphia, PA.
Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring, and we hope all friends and family will join us. Look for details in the new year!
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lincoln Land Association of Bird Banders or Lincoln Memorial Gardens or a charity special to you.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Homes- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.
