Betty Jane Rife

Betty Jane Rife, 85, of Northwood, Ohio and formerly of Oak Harbor, Ohio, died early Wednesday morning, March 21, 2012, in Bay Park Community Hospital, Oregon, Ohio. Betty was born October 1, 1926, in Oak Harbor to Fred and Christine Perry Blausey. On March 1, 1945, in Martin, Ohio, she married Gerald H. Rife, who survives. She was an active lifelong member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Martin, serving on various committees, teaching Sunday school, and was a member of the Sarah Circle. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary, as well as helping found the Rocky Ridge Girl Scout Troop in the 1950s. Betty enjoyed traveling, sewing, crocheting, decorating for the holidays, and gardening, especially working with her flowers. Betty loved angels, listening to the birds, and especially enjoyed all her grandchildren, for whom she made afghans. In addition to the love of her life, husband, Gerald, of 67 years, Betty is survived by her daughters, Diane Robert Verb of Graytown, Nancy Ronald Floriana of Millbury, and son, Gerry Ellean Rife of Apex, NC, nine grandchildren: Michelle Michael Hall, Melissa Mike Kelly, Robert Melissa Verb, Monica George Hansen, Betsy Verb, Melody John Hofbauer, Jennifer Andrew Karenz, Jonathan and Isaiah Rife, seventeen great grandchildren, sisters, Athalee Starkey of Graytown and Geraldine Willard Hetrick of Oak Harbor, and brother, Gerald Marguerite Blausey of Toledo. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Marcella Buhrow and Alverna Radsick. Visitation will be 2-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 25, 2012 at the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 165 E. Water St., Oak Harbor. The funeral service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 26, 2012 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 17877 W. St. Rt. 579, Martin Blackberry, with interment to follow in Elliston Cemetery, Graytown. The family suggested memorials for Betty to St. Peter Lutheran Church Endowment Fund.