Obituary for Mary “May” RifeMary “May” Britton Leishman Rife, age 89, of Pemberville, OH, passed away on Friday, May 13, 2016 at Wood Haven Health Care, Bowling Green, OH. She was born on January 11, 1927 in Ayr, Scotland to Peter and Ellen (Head) Leishman. She came to the United States in 1934, by ship. May grew up in Patterson, New Jersey. On January 6, 1949 she married LeRoy “Bud: Rife in Pemberville and he preceded her in death on August 12, 2003. She had many jobs in her life, which included telephone operator, pizzamaker, reading tutor and her best job the one she loved the most was the librarian at the Pemberville Elementary School.
May is survived by her daughters: Jean (Wes) Long, Lora (Dave Tefft) Rife, son: Edward (Jan) Rife, their children: Adam and Kurt (Stacey) and their grandchildren: Maeleigh, Tanner and Layna, son: Russell (Gywnne) Rife and their children: Tyler, Miranda and Casey, sister: Jean Riley and nieces and nephews: Edward, Ronald, Rich and James Schopperth, Pam Riley, Bryce Riley, Carol Lieb, Brenda Provonsil, Don, Ron and Steve Ruch, numerous great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by parents, husband: LeRoy, infant brother: David Leishman, sister: Ellen Schopperth and nephew: David Schopperth.
She delighted in all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and was very proud of all of them and their accomplishments. May had a big heart and was a friend to all who knew her. The family would like to thank Dr. Wojciechowski, Patty Noble and all the nurses, aides and staff at the Wood Haven Nursing Home for the wonderful care that she received during her stay. Also a thank you to the staff of Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their help during this time.
Family and friends will be received on Sunday, May 15, 2016 from 4-8 PM at the Marsh Funeral Home, 4094 State Route 105, Pemberville, OH. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, May 16, 2016 at 11 AM from Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Pemberville with additional visitation from 10 AM until time of services. Officiating will be Rev. Matthew Musteric. Interment will be in Troy Twp. Cemetery, Luckey, OH. A bereavement luncheon will be served in the church fellowship hall immediately following the cemetery committal services. Consideration for memorial contributions can be made to: Pemberville Freedom Fire Dept. Association, Pemberville Library or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.
Those wishing to express a word of encouragement, share a memory or photo may do so at www.marshfuneralhomes.com.
