Jean Riley Tift, 89, of Reading passed away surrounded by her loving family in her home Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
A memorial service will be held at a later date with Pastor Penny Nunn officiating. Interment will take place at Maplewood Cemetery in Reading at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to Eagle Funeral Homes-George White Chapel in Reading.
She was born April 20, 1937 to Riley and Audrey (Pratt) Tift in Edmore, Michigan. Her mother preceded her in death when she was 7 months old. She moved to Reading and lived with her grandparents Frank and Edna Johnson for many years.
Jean married Glen Wonders December 4, 1988 and he preceded her in death in 2003.
Jean graduated from Reading High School and went on to earn her LPN from South Central School of Nursing. She was working at the Hillsdale Hospital and then worked at the Coldwater State Home until her retirement. Jean was a member of the West Reading United Methodist Church until it closed. She then joined the Reading United Methodist Church for the remainder of her life and was strong in her faith.
She loved spending time in nature camping, bike riding, and playing croquet with her kids. Jean had a wonderful sense of humor and was always fair. She was loving, kind, compassionate, and selfless. Above all, she loved making memories with her children and grandchildren.
Survivors include her children, Robert M. (Linda L.) Benjamin, Chriss O. (Brenda K.) Benjamin, Tina (Joseph N.) Duba, and Spring Benjamin-Gruver; 10 grandchildren, Renee (Jimmy), Christina, Robert (Delinda), Jenni (Matt), Nickolas (Harlie), Wesley, Travis (Emily), Dustin (Allison), Aaron (Taylor), and Samantha; 21 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings, Rebecca Troeger, and Richard (Marsha) Tift; one sister-in-law, Cathy Tift.
Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Riley and Audrey, and step-mother, Dessie; husband, Glen Wonders; daughter, Debra J. Sprow; siblings, Peggy Hart and Robert Tift; and brother-in-law, Bob Troeger.
Memorial contributions are suggested to June’s Place.
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