Gertrude M “Terri” Rife, 72, passed away at 12:30 pm, Sunday, December 15, 2019 at Communities of the Wildwood Ranch, Joplin, MO following an illness.
Terri was born November 7, 1947 in Coffeyville, KS. Her parents were Elmer Charles and Crystal Durella (Grigsby) Leonard. She had lived in Carl Junction over 20 years.
She grew up in Columbus Kansas and attended school there. She married Stanley Dean Rife on June 6, 1965 in Columbus, KS. They moved to Oswego, KS and raised their children there. She had worked in the office of Stephen’s Manufacturing in Oswego. She later worked for the Miami Nation applying for grants to aide women and children that were victims of domestic abuse in the tribe. She was a Native American and a member of the Miami Nation tribe.
Terri actively participated as a volunteer for the Relay for Life of Joplin, MO. She had also volunteered to work at Air Shows at Whiteman AFB, Missouri. She had been a hostess on several bus trips to casinos. She enjoyed white bass fishing with her husband, NASCAR racing, and was fan of Cardinals baseball and OU football.
Surviving is one son, Nolan Rife (Melissa), Pittsburg, KS; two daughters, Nicki Tomlinson (Jim) Oswego, KS, and Tina Johnson (fiancé, Greg Shoup), Carl Junction, MO; 8 grandchildren, Kaylee Turner (Keith), Kelsee Yarnell (Keith), Andrew Easom, Daniel Easom, Anthony Easom, Gus Tomlinson, Jared Jones (Amanda), and Brianne Johnson; and 8 great-grandchildren.
Her husband passed away June 2, 2008. She was also preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Ai Leonard.
The family will receive family and friends from 6:30 – 8:00 pm Thursday, December 19, 2019 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Oswego, Kansas. The family will privately bury her cremains at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to either Relay for Life or the Disabled American Veterans in care of the funeral home.
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