Virginia Pfeifle

Virginia Pfeifle, 93, of Ithaca, passed away on August 4, 2021, in Ithaca, Michigan.

Virginia Evelyn Shaver was born in Pontiac, MI to Ferne and Blenford Shaver on July 30, 1928.  She went to Emmanuel Missionary College (Andrews University) in Berrien Springs, MI.  She married Robert Gerald Jeffrey on September 18, 1947, in Lake Orion, MI and had two daughters, Cheryl and Carol Jeffery.  She worked as a secretary until her husband passed in 1958.  On December 24, 1961, she was married again to Henry William Pfeifle Jr. in Loveland, CO and moved back to Michigan in 1962.  Virginia worked in Henry’s dental practice in Ithaca, MI for the next 27 years.  After Henry retired, Virginia worked for the Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and served as Michigan’s Community Service Director for 13 years.  After she retired, she continued her work with the Ithaca Community Service Center.

Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, Ferne and Blenford Shaver, as well as both of her husbands, Robert Jeffery and Henry Pfeifle Jr.  

Virginia is survived by daughters, Cheryl Umlauf (Rick)  and Carol Guajardo (Vic), her sister, Betty Johnson, her Grandchildren, Jeff Guajardo, Randy Umlauf (Siran), Janelle Kohtz (Mark), Amanda Umlauf, and her great-Grandchildren, Lucas Guajardo, Rilynn Kohtz and Samantha Umlauf.

Memorials may be made to the Ithaca Seventh-day Adventist Community Service Center at 935 North Pine River, Ithaca, MI. The family of Virginia wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the Heartland Hospice Organization, Dr. Donald Prouty, and her Ithaca church family. 

There will be a family graveside service at the Ithaca Cemetery with burial following.  The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Comments

[Lynda North]

What a wonderful lady!!! It cannot even be written. I only got to know her for a little while but what a blessing she was to me. She was one of those special people who you never forget. Looking forward to Heaven. Praying continuously for you family members, with love.

[Valerie de Fluiter]

She will be greatly missed, a big part of my life growing up and as an adult. She could work circles around me and easily kept a room full of people busy. Always the first to help someone in need and go the second mile. A very talented and loving role model. Hugs and prayers for all the family. You are dear to our hearts.

[Melissa Mitchell]

Oh my heart breaks hearing this. What an amazing woman, Christian, mentor, Christ like example was found in her. I can’t stop crying. I know we don’t live forever but I always felt like Grandma Pfeifle would. What a God send she was in my life with the Guajardo’s and the Ithaca church. I would not be the person I am today without their love and support and taking me in when I needed a home and guidance. I am eternally thankful for Grandma Pfeifle’s example of hard work, kindness, firmness. I developed my love for Bible marking, puzzles, reading , and staying busy and mindful with my time from Grandma Pfeifle. Her selfless spirit and energy always amazed me. Rest In Peace Grandma! See you in Heaven! What a glorious reunion that will be.

Love Always,
Melissa

[Beth Stephan]

She was a special lady. She will be missed by all who knew her. I learned so much from her example. Caring for others, attention to detail. She leaves a big hole in this world. She was a special friend. Her next awakening will be to see Jesus. Praise the Lord for her life.

[Jan Naumes]

Words can hardly do justice to show what a kind Christian lady Virginia was. I met her when I started working for her brother in law; Dr. Robert Johnson. She was always a special friend and enjoyed many lunches together. Life and covid hit so hadn't had the chance to see her. I am so sorry for your loss and want to extend my love and sympathies to all of her beloved family.

[Patsy Umlauf]

Virginia was a very unique, caring gifted Christian woman who gave
her all in everything she did and with a humble spirit. She did much for her church, her community and those around her. She raised 2 amazing daughters, one of which I am blessed to have as a daughter in law. It was always a pleasure to share meals at her table and stay at her home. I respected and admired her greatly.

[Ben and Jule Guajardo]

We will always remember Virginia as a doing, fixing, helping, kind person towards everyone. A very gracious lady. She will be missed by many.

[Ernest Wolf]

Virginia loved the Lord. She lived an exemplary life of service to her family, her community and church. We look forward to seeing her soon when Jesus comes to take us away from this old tired world.

[Vickie Thum]

Virginia was indeed a very dedicated, caring, Christian woman. I enjoyed being around her and working with her on various charity fundraisers. She will be greatly missed.

[Robert Murphy]

Virginia Pfeifle was one of my wife, Jody’s, first bosses at the Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Jody told me frequently how much she admired Virginia, and what a high level of professionalism and caring Virginia always exhibited not only in the office, but to all of her clients at the Community Service Centers.

Virginia was a leader by her example. She always made sure that everyone was served before she was, whenever we were with her at the CSC workshops at Camp AuSable.

Virginia was always very kind, friendly, and accepting of me as Jody’s husband, beginning from when I first met her. Jody found Virginia to be more than a boss, as they became friends too, and I got to benefit from that friendship as well.

Many will miss Virginia here in this life, but what joy it will bring to those who can celebrate being reunited with Virginia when Jesus returns and takes his faithful home!

Bob Murphy
Eaton Rapids, MI.

[Chris Kimmel]

Oh my heart hurt when I read this
In the paper,
I Love this lady so much,
One of the first ladies I meet when I moved to Ithaca in1992.
Wanted to volunteer, the center was the best place to go .
Viginia was the one that lifted
Everybody up. A heart of gold!
She was always willing to Pray with you ,And we had alot of them days.And to her Family,She was the most Godly mentor lady I've ever known she will be missed.Till we meet again.
May God wrap his arms around
The whole Family Love and Prayers to you ALL .