Willis RIFE Obituary (2007)

Willis Jonathan Rife III (J.R. to his closest friends), age 63, passed away peacefully at his home in Lake Havasu City, AZ., on January 23, 2007, after his brave fight against cancer. He was born in Red Lion, PA., to Willis and Lois Rife. Jon grew up in Williamstown, PA., where in high school he was the star quarterback, basketball player, and no-hit pitcher. He met his wife, Karen in Pennsylvania in grade school and they married in 1965. Jon attended East Carolina College and later served four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam conflict. He was employed with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Ocala, FL., working his way up to District Manager in Denver, CO. Jon was later the Regional Insurance Coordinator for Dean Witter for ten years, taking a Branch Manager's position in Colorado Springs, CO., in 1993. He became a Certified Financial Planner in 1995, retiring in 1999 to Lake Havasu City, AZ., but continued to spend summers in Colorado Springs, CO. After retiring to Lake Havasu City, his "other job" was playing golf every day as a member of the London Bridge Golf Course, also being a member of the Colorado Springs Country Club. Jon was a life-time member of the American Legion, a member of the Elks Club and the Eagles. Jon is survived by his wife Karen, son Willis J. Rife IV of Aurora, CO; his mother Lois Rife of Andover, KS; sister Donna Moyer of Wichita, KS; brother Adrian Rife of Apollo Beach, FL; and nephew Douglas Moyer of Wichita, KS. He was preceded in death by his father Willis J. Rife Jr., in 1995.Jon was a great friend to everyone and a wonderful husband and father. He will be missed greatly. His family would like to express their appreciation for the care given by Hospice of Havasu and to everyone who gave their prayers, calls, and visits during Jon's illness; also thank you to everyone who showed such wonderful support for his wife, Karen.A Memorial Service will be held at Lietz-Fraze Chapel on Monday, January 29, 2007 at 10:00 a.m., after which a celebration of Jon's life will be held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Belshee, 2389 Snead Dr., Lake Havasu City, AZ; 86406, phone 928- 854-3325.Donations may be made in Jon's name to the American Legion Post #239, 123 W. Market St., Williamstown, PA.,17098 or Hospice of Havasu, P.O. Box 597. Lake Havasu City, AZ., 86405. Condolences and thoughts can be made to his family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.comArrangements were entrusted to Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.