Isobel Pfeiffer (Rarick)

Dr. Isobel Lorraine Pfeiffer, 92, passed away Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 3:45 AM in Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center, Warsaw, Indiana.
Born August 30, 1921 in Warsaw, Isobel was one of two daughters born to Franklin Ottis and Ethel Fawn (Shilling) Rarick. She grew up in the Warsaw-Leesburg areas and graduated from Warsaw High School with the class of 1938.
Isobel graduated valedictorian Manchester College class of 1942 where she received her B.A. Degree in Education. She completed her M.A. Degree in Education in 1948 at Indiana University and earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Kent State University in 1966.
Isobel and (Dr.) Robert Thomas Pfeiffer were married June 9, 1945 in San Diego, California while Bob was serving during World War II.
Isobel was an avid reader and Bridge player. She was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She and Bob enjoyed traveling and were collectors of original art prints
Dr. Isobel L. Pfeiffer was truly a lifetime educator. She taught English, Latin and Mathematics grade levels 4-12 at schools in South San Francisco, CA; Aurora, IL; Martinsville, IN; East Lansing, MI; Tallmadge and Kent, OH; She was Dean of Girls from 1959-1966 at Davey Junior High School in Kent. She began her teaching career at the college level in 1949 at Aurora College (Illinois). She became an Assistant Professor in Secondary Education at The University of Akron (Ohio) in 1966 and named Professor in 1975. She would remain at the University of Akron until 1982. It was here that she became very active in helping students who were working on their doctorates. She continued that same assistance at the University of West Georgia which is known as a comprehensive doctoral-granting university. Even after her retirement and their move back to Warsaw, Isobel would periodically go back to the University of West Georgia to assist students working toward their doctorate. She and one of her former doctoral students, Dr. Jane Dunlap, wrote a book designed to help graduate students entitled Supervision of Teachers: A Guide to Improving Instruction. Isobel contributed effectively to many university and college committees. Dr. Isobel L. Rarick Pfeiffer, Professor Emeritus of Education, will be remembered by hundreds of students at all levels. But most especially she will be remembered with special affection by her doctoral students as well as colleagues whom she has influenced through her creative teaching in the classroom and beyond.
Isobel is survived by her sister, Evelyn Marsh of Warsaw; 2 nieces and their husbands: Debbie and Kevin Plummer and Randa and Rob Coppes – all of Warsaw; a nephew and his wife: Greg and Ann Marsh of Portage, Indiana; and several great nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Robert Pfeiffer on October 31, 2010.
Family and friends will gather for a time of sharing in support of each other Friday, August 22nd from 2-4 and 6-8 PM Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw. A service celebrating the life of Dr. Isobel Lorraine Pfeiffer will take place Saturday, August 23rd beginning at 10:30 AM in the funeral home with Pastor Gary Colby officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.
The family has asked that gifts in Isobel’s memory be directed to K21 Health Foundation – Cancer Care Fund, PO Box 1810, Warsaw, Indiana 46581-1810 or to Trinity United Methodist Church, 832 E. Center Street, Warsaw, Indiana 46580.
The staff of Titus Funeral Home considers it a privilege to care for the family and friends of Dr. Isobel Lorraine Pfeiffer.