Mary J Rife

Mary Jeanne (Firsdon) Rife, 64 years young, a loving wife, mother, proud grandma and sister, of Pemberville, Ohio passed away Monday, May 15, 2023, in the comfort of her own home after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Mary was born on February 19, 1959 in Bowling Green, Ohio to the late Joseph and Betty (Hill) Firsdon. She married Dave Rife in 1988, and he survives her. Also surviving are her two daughters that she loved dearly, Crystal (Drew) DeVore of Bowling Green and Ashley Rife of Walbridge; granddaughters whom were the light of her world, Sophia and Madeline DeVore; siblings, Steve Firsdon (Marty Dix), Linda (Garland) Ward, Beth (Jim) Brueggemeyer, David (Janet) Firsdon; sister-in-law Cheryl Firsdon; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Michael Firsdon.

For many years, Mary was the secretary at Trinity United Methodist Church in Bowling Green, where she always greeted everyone with a smile and friendly conversation. She devoted many hours to assisting with the rummage sale and gardening in the courtyard. Through the challenging times, Mary always had a positive attitude and put others before herself. She was very devoted to her care of her daughter Ashley, always having their weekly car rides to Port Clinton for dinner and other trips to see her sisters. More than anything, she loved spending time with her family, especially her granddaughters, who meant the world to her. She never missed a softball game, concert or program of theirs.  Mary and Dave enjoyed cross-country train trips to the west coast, to Disney with Crystal, Sophia and Madeline and to Williamsburg, Virginia, Cincinnati and Boyne Falls, Michigan.

A Time to Gather and Celebrate Mary’s life will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 PM in the Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home & Crematory, 1460 W. Wooster St., Bowling Green, Ohio 43402. A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the Trinity United Methodist Church, 200 N. Summit Street, Bowling Green, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church.

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