Thais C. Reiff, 84, of Xenia, Ohio, passed away January 20, 2023, at Hospice of Dayton. Thais began her remarkable life on April 6, 1938, in Hillsdale, Michigan, the youngest of three born to Carl and Marjorie McArthur.

No matter what society told her she should do, Thais never sat still. She earned her first degree – a Bachelor of Arts in English – from Michigan State University. After a brief stint teaching, Thais returned to MSU's graduate program to study sociology. It was there that she met her future husband, Terrence A. Reiff, whom she married on June 13, 1965. They would go on to live in Chicago, Illinois, and Springfield, Ohio, before finally settling in Xenia.

After arriving in Ohio, Thais earned a master's degree in social work from The Ohio State University. Thus began her second career as a Social Worker providing guidance and assistance to those in need. Eventually she returned to school, this time to earn an MBA from Wright State University, and began a career as a client executive selling telecommunications equipment and services for AT&T. One of the highlights of her career was being a central member of the team working on the Dayton Peace Accords to provide necessary communication services to participants.

Thais was equally driven outside of her career. In addition to raising three children, she devoted her personal time to a variety of projects and interests. She served on the Board of Directors of First Frontier, which produced the outdoor drama Blue Jacket.  Music was central part of Thais' life. Early on, she played violin for the Hillsdale College orchestra. Later, she became a long-time member of Gem City Sweet Adelines. As a lead, Thais performed and competed locally, nationally, and internationally. She was also an active member of Xenia United Presbyterian Church, singing in the choir and as a member of the Church Trustees.

Not one to sit still in retirement, Thais took up skydiving and became an active member of the Woman's Club of Xenia. She also found her calling as a Volunteer Master Gardener, to which she devoted hundreds of hours of time. She eventually became an expert on identifying and controlling the Emerald Ash Borer. She was presented with the Ohio's 2013 Outstanding Master Gardener Volunteer Award for her efforts.

Thais was known for her kindness, her knowledge, her wit, her laugh, her generosity, and her love for her family, friends, and community. A true life-long learner, Thais' curiosity and zeal for a good story led her on many adventures, such as skydiving over Niagara Falls.  She loved spending time with family and friends, traveling, attending the theater, hiking and gardening, and taming the landscape around her home. Her stories, her laugh, and her love for diving headlong into new experiences will be missed.

Thais is survived by her husband of 57 years; her daughter, Alison T. (Philip) Reiff-Martin of Dallas, Texas; sons Adam T. (Sarah) Reiff, of Noblesville, Indiana, and Aaron M. (Bethany) Reiff of Oakwood, Ohio; six grandchildren; and many close friends.  She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Robert and Willis McArthur, of Hillsdale, Michigan. A loving mother and grandmother, a cheerleader to her friends and family, and a friend to all, Thais will be dearly missed.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm, Thursday, February 9, Xenia United Presbyterian Church.  The family will meet friends immediately following the service in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to Xenia United Presbyterian Church, 343 West Ankeney Mill Road, Xenia, Ohio, 45385. Condolences may be made to the family at www.NeeldFuneralHome.com .