Riffle, Leah (Shultz)

Posted By: Tom Midlam
Date: 5 February 2003

SOURCE: Obituary Wednesday, January 12, 1921

Leah Shultz was born in York, Pennsylvania, on the 23rd day of March 1832. Her parents were Jacob and Elizabeth Creager Shultz.

This was and interesting group for the circle enlarged until seven children besides Leah went to make up this household. At the time of this writing, however, we have to note the fact that the last remaining member of her immediate family is now gone.

The seven besides Leah were three boys, George, Henry and Jacob; and four girls, Susan, Elizabeth, Mary and Rebecca. When Leah was eight years old the family was packed in wagons for their westward journey. Into the new land they came and established themselves for a while in Warren County, Ohio. However, another move took place soon after which placed them in Darke County and here they have remained.

In 1859 Leah became the wife of Silas Riffle and in this new relationship found her real task in life. Her delight was her home and with great pride she looked well to the affairs of her household. Within the walls of this place, happiness had its abode and from it there radiated a spirit of neighborliness and kindness that made the spirit of Mrs. Riffle a benediction of good in the community. Sadness entered the household and took the first born child while still in the period of youth, Odella. The second child has been privileged to outlive the mother and has faithfully ministered to her in the past months of her affliction, Mrs. Frank H. Jobes of Greenville. Elmer, the third child, is now a resident of Paulding, Ohio. Homer died in infancy and the fifth of the children is Mrs. J. C. W. Coppess of Greenville, whose hand has steadied that of the mother in these last days. In addition to these there are now four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Mr. Riffle died August 6, 1895. Mrs. Riffle continued to live in her home in Ansonia for about ten years following the death of the husband and had with her, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. W. Coppess. But upon the removal of the latter to Greenville about fifteen years ago, it became necessary to break up the old home and since then, Mrs. Riffle has made her home with her daughters, with Mrs. Coppess up until about four years ago and from that time on with Mrs. Jobes.

Mrs. Riffle was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Ansonia and Bore testimony to her faith in the Christ.

It has been seen by the many friends who met her from time to time that this one was gradually declining. In fact a period of two years has marked ought else. And when the summons came on Sunday evening, January 2nd at 5:45 it came not as a surprise but the end of the ripening process of life.

Mrs. Riffle emulated the fine traits of those who with brave perseverance and unflagging hardihood came in these sections in early years and wrought for their development. She had a love of home that was most commendable. Her whole disposition was domestic and to make her fireside resplendent with the virtues and beauties of true life was her delight. She bore herself in such manner that her neighbors bore testimony of the fine spirit of her life. Thus with her passing her children and friends rise up and call her blessed in that they have left to them in her precept and example a goodly and undying heritage. May her kind increase and may they be used of God to insure generations that follow and example of true and upright living.

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