Joan M (Gushwa) Riffel

Joan Marie (Gushwa) Riffel, born on September 17, 1937, in South Bend, passed away on January 1, 2026, at the age of 88 at the Center for Hospice-Raclin House, surrounded by her loving family.

She was the cherished daughter of Ralph C. Gushwa and Irene (Erhardt) Gushwa, and had one brother, Ralph W. Gushwa.

In 1954, she married Kenneth W. Riffel Jr. and had three daughters: Cindy Hull, Karen (Francis) Bolen, and Suzan (Charles) Dixon.  She also had six grandchildren: Stacy (Nick) Suranyi, Todd (Jenny) Clemens, Sarah (Andrew) Minegar, Joseph (Jessica) Dixon, Andrea Hemphill, and Julia (Colin) Brynn as well as 8 great-grandchildren; Payton Welty, Elyse Welty, Carter Clemens, Camryn Clemens, Connor Dixon, Oliver Dixon, Samara Brynn, and Sylvie Brynn.

Joan’s interest in early childhood development led her to a career as a dedicated Head Start Teacher for over three decades.  In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, knitting, gardening, and traveling in retirement. 

She was a longtime member of Osceola First United Methodist Church.

Joan’s Journey has come to an end, but her story lives on in the hearts of those she loved.

A memorial visitation for Joan will be held from 3pm-5pm on Sunday January 4, 2026, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St. South Bend.

Memorial contributions in Joan’s name may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Online condolences may be sent via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmefuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.