"I came to know Stella as a sweet, lovely woman while she was at Cedar Manor. Her family gave her so much love and care. I send my deepest condolences to her family."
In loving memory of
Stella Rife
September 30, 1919 - December 8, 2005
Stella Elizabeth Thumma Rife, daughter of Alvin and Valentine Thumma, was born September 30, 1919, in the Olin area. She was a 1938 graduate of Olin High School. Stella worked for a number of years at Shultz’s Dime Store in Tipton. On May 28, 1940, Stella was united in marriage to Glen Rife. A marriage that would span almost 60 years. Stella loved her homegrown vegetables along with her apples, peaches, pears, cherries, blackberries and strawberries that she canned every year. She was a wonderful cook with raspberry pie being one of her specialties. Stella was an active member of The Methodist Church and the UMW. She also attended Mission school for 13 years and brought many ideas back to the church. She was active in Woman’s Club and Kings Daughters. She was a member of the Tipton Federated Garden Club for close to 20 years. Stella also enjoyed painting, ceramics and many other types of crafts. Stella is survived by her son, Marlin Rife & wife, Sharon of Simi Valley, California; daughters, Nancy Burroughs & husband, Ron of Tipton, Glenda Thys & husband, Bob of Tipton, and Janet Wehde and husband, Ruel also of Tipton; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; brother, Harold Thumma of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and sister, Geraldine Boots of Olin, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin & Valentine Thumma; husband, Glen Rife; brother, Lyle Thumma; and sister, Mildred Tarbox.
Tributes
"I was so hoping to come to visitation but weather just didn't permit it. I really didn't know Stella prior to my parents living at Cedar Manor, but I quickly learned what a wonderfully sweet lady she was. She was so excited at being chosen prom queen over a year ago. I want your family to know we are sending our deepest sympathy. Mary Jo Ogden"
"May god have a space for aunt stella in his waiting arms and she now can be with grandpa, grandma, uncle lyle, mom and other relatives in that heavnly space. love richard"