Obituaries

June 29, 1954 to April 21, 2025

WINAMAC - Nancy S. Rife, 70, of Winamac passed away Monday, April 21, at home, surrounded by family and friends.

Born June, 29 1954 at the U.S. Naval Hospital in San Diego, she was the daughter of the late Carl Alberts Jr. and Shirley Alberts (Schroeder). She graduated from Parkview-Methodist School of Nursing in 1975. She married Robert Rife on May 21, 1983, and moved to Winamac. He preceded her in death.

Nancy Rife

Survivors include:
Daughter, Hillary (Chris) Pine of Winamac
Son, Adam Rife of Carmel
Sister, Linda Gleitz of Plymouth
Sister, Crissie and Jan Garrison of Plymouth
Brother-in-law, Jeff and Dawn Rife of Winamac
Sister-in-law, Karen Sommers of Monticello
Nieces and Nephews:
PJ and Chris Brucker of Winamac
Lynn and Todd Edgell of Monticello
Lance and Becky Hiatt of Jacksonville, Fla.
Cameron Garrison of Lynchburg, Va.
Samantha and Eric Wagner of Rushville
Cory and Danielle Gleitz of Plymouth
Morgan Garrison of Plymouth
Andrew and Tina Gleitz of Aurora, Colo.
Sierra and Colby Wood of Winamac
Keely Garrison of Plymouth.
Great-nieces and –nephews: Leland Hiatt, Alexandra Edgell, Payden Edgell, Paisely Bonnell, Baylor Wood, Lillian Wagner, Huxley Wood, Talia Gleitz and Grant Wagner.

She was also preceded in death by mother- and father-in-law JB and Gloria Rife, mother-in-law Joyce Rife and sister- and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Dale Hiatt.

Mrs. Rife dedicated her life to caring for others, and spent the first eight years of her nursing career at Elkhart General Hospital. After her marriage, she continued her calling at Pulaski Memorial Hospital. Over the next 41 years, she became a cornerstone of the hospital, retiring in 2024 after a long and passionate career. Her greatest love was for her two children, Hillary and Adam. As a mother, she poured her heart into raising them with tenderness, patience and unconditional love and support. Whether cheering them on in their pursuits, guiding them through life’s challenges, or simply being present in the everyday, her love and devotion to her children knew no bounds.

A devoted member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Winamac, she lived her faith through kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those around her. She was an avid fan of Notre Dame women’s basketball and was a frequent face at their games. She also found joy in traveling with friends, making trips to the movies, relaxing with a good book, anything Vera Bradley, and all things related to Christmas. Her life was one of care, love, selflessness and unwavering strength. She touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

Visitation will be from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 24, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Winamac Chapel, 110 N. Sally Dr., Winamac. A rosary service will be at 4 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home. A mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m., Friday, April 25, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery Mckinley Addition.

Memorial donations may be made to the St. Vincent House at www.give.stvincent.org.

Mrs. Rife’s online guestbook is available, and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.