Kathryn Marie Rife

Kathryn Marie (Mathews) Rife, 70, of Fredericktown, Ohio passed away June 16, 2020 at home. She was born 11/7/1949 in Flatwoods, KY. She had 2 biological brothers, Jon Hexum and Jimmy Mathews, both deceased. She also had 2 biological sisters that died of crib death shortly after their birth. She is survived by her children: daughter Brandy (Bryan) Hallett, daughter Brenda Rife, son Jay (Tabbitha) Rife. Her grandchildren: David Fisher, Jhadalyn Rife, Delaney Fisher, Velocity Rife, Elijah Hallett, Ethan Hallett, Tarquinn Burris, Adeline Rife, and Tilly Rife. Kathy was preceded in death by her great granddaughter Marceline Wynn (Jhadalyn's daughter); her father, Earl Mathews; her adoptive mother, Bonnie Beaumont; her adoptive father, Jim Ferguson; and her adoptive brother, Rodney Ferguson. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Rife. They were married July 1, 1974. They were together 44 years and were very much in love until the day he died on 11/8/2018. Kathryn was a graduate of Brookhaven High School in Columbus, Ohio. She also graduated Beauty School and Ashworth College of Business. In her early years she was a hair dresser and bartended part time. For many years she worked at Scholastic, going on to become the Warehouse Manager. Kathy was also the Assistant General Manager at a local Wendy's for a couple years. As a Manager and employee, she always tried to be fair and understanding. She will be missed by the people that cared deeply for her. Kathy was a kind and caring person who was loyal, hardworking, and always tried to help others. She was quick to be a smart aleck and had some pretty good witty comebacks. Kathy enjoyed crocheting, playing Pogo games on her computer, and keeping Jim in line. Together, her and Jim liked to travel and see new places, and try local cuisine. Her children would like to especially thank her amazing nurse Brandon Scholl at Riverside Neuro ICU Silver for all his loving care and dedication and all the spectacular nurses on that floor. Thank you for sticking by us these past 19 months. Thank you for making sure that not only was our mother taken care of but, her children were also. The family has decided to release butterflies in her honor on Saturday, September 5th at 4 pm at the family home in Fredericktown, Ohio. More information will be posted on Facebook closer to the date. Please feel free to email Brandy at brandyhallett@gmail.com or Brenda at blburris1978@gmail.com if you are unable to access Facebook. If you would like to share a memory of Kathryn or offer a message of condolence to the family please visit Katheryn's Tribute Wall.