Ronald E. "Ron" Rife

Ronald E. "Ron" Rife, 72, of 614 Elm St., Watsontown, formerly of Coal Township, passed away Saturday, August 23, 2014 at his home.

He was born July 18, 1941 in Milton, a son of the late James E. and Helen P. (Lesher) Rife.

Ron was a 1960 graduate of Warrior Run High School and a graduate of Bloomsburg State Teachers College, where he received a degree in English and French. He went on to earn his Master's degree from Syracuse University, NY. Ron worked as a teacher and retired from the Oneida High School, Oneida, NY, after 26 years. During that time he enjoyed taking trips with his students to France.

He was a member of Follmer Lutheran Church, Milton, where he taught Sunday school.

Ron loved gardening and cooking and was fond of spending time with his nieces and nephews.

Surviving are four siblings and their spouses,  Jim Jr. and Galdys Rife, of Elizabethtown, , John and Irene Rife, of Catawissa, Sandy and Dave Dersham, of McEwensville and Donald and Nancy Rife, of Watsontown; a special aunt, Mary Lesher, of Milton; his close friends from Coal Township; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Friends will be received from Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Cronrath-Grenoble Funeral Home, 308 Main St., Watsontown, where the funeral will be held at 1 p.m., with his pastor, the Rev. AJ Shearer, officiating.

Burial will follow in Twin Hills Memorial Park, Muncy.

The family welcomes flowers, however if desired memorial contributions may be made to Follmer Lutheran Church, Grange Hall Rd., Milton, PA 17847.