Ronald “Roscoe” E. Rife, age 76, of Celina, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Oct. 10, 2021. He was born May 13, 1945, in Peru, Ind., to the late Paul and Esther (Young) Rife. On August 19, 1967, he married Suzie (McKenzie) Rife and she survives at the residence.
Other survivors include a son, Scott (Shonda) Rife, Celina; a daughter, Wendy (Dave) Bell, Riverside, Calif.; two brothers, Allan (Carol) Rife, Jeffersonville, Ind., and Randy (Lisa) Rife, Franklin, Tenn.; a sister, Melody (Frank) Reeves, Indianapolis, Ind.; four grandchildren, Krista, Ryan, Logan and Saria; and two great grandchildren, Zander and Treniti.
Ronald was a 1963 graduate of Silver Lake High School in Silver Lake, Ind., and went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Manchester University in North Manchester, Ind., and a master’s degree in mathematics at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich. In 1969 he began working as a professor in mathematics at Wright State Lake Campus and retired after 32 years of service.
While working at Wright State Lake Campus Ron helped start the men’s basketball program and served as the Athletic Director for many years. He was also active in Grand Lake United Methodist Church’s Appalachian Service Project. During retirement he enjoyed traveling, bowling and spending time with his family and friends.
Ron was a member of Grand Lake United Methodist Church in Celina.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and/or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
