Laura Florence “Sis” Rife, 81, Wabash, died Sunday, May 3, 2020, at her home.

Laura Florence “Sis” Rife

She was born Feb. 23, 1939, in Prestonsburg, Ky., to John and Sarah (Dearfield) Dillon.

Sis married Carl Rife in Richmond, and they were married 59 years; he died Nov. 2, 2015. She worked several years as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Miller’s Merry Manor in Wabash. She attended Christian Heritage Church. She enjoyed taking care of the elderly, but her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the joy of her life.

She is survived by three children: Doug Rife, Warsaw; Mike (Tammy) Rife and Paula (Clifford) Osborne, Wabash; nine grandchildren: Heather (Rick) Gaines, Huntington; Rachel Rife, Virginia Beach, Va.; Sarah (Shawn) Bartley, Winona Lake; Betsy (Will) Runyon Woodburn; Mark (Misty) Rife, Wabash; Jamie (Brandi) Rife, Roann; Brandi Mitchell, Kirk Hamilton, and Tara Hamilton, Wabash; 25 great-grandchildren; brother: John (Helen) Dillon, Wabash; sister: Esther (Robert) Webb, Wabash; and her daughter-in-law: Kim Rife, Roann.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two sons: James Rife and David Rife.

Private graveside services will be at Memorial Lawns Cemetery, with Pastor Tim Prater officiating.

Preferred memorial is to Riley Hospital for Children.