Esther W. Riffey

Esther W. Riffey Battle Creek Esther W. Riffey, 85, of Battle Creek died peacefully at home with her family at her side on Friday, March 11, 2011. She was born January 9, 1926, in Washington, Indiana to Jerome and Ethel (Smith) Wildridge. Esther grew up in Washington, where she met the love of her life, James R Riffey. She was a 1944 graduate of Washington High School and while Jim was serving with the U.S. Army during WWII, she worked for a savings & loan company and volunteered for the Red Cross. Esther Wildridge and James Riffey were united in marriage in Washington, IN, on June 9, 1948. She is survived by Jim, her husband of 62 years; a son, Michael (Annette) Riffey of Battle Creek; a daughter, Leslie (Tim) Obrig of Battle Creek; two grandchildren, Donald Riffey of Kalamazoo, MI and Katie Riffey of Brooklyn, NY; and a sister, Mary Ellen (Max) Bates of Spencer, IN. Esther was the center of the family, was an avid reader, enjoyed working in her flower garden, cooking and collecting recipes. After Jim retired they enjoyed spending time together and with the family. Private services for Esther's family will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Esther's memory may be made to the Leukemia Foundation or the American Cancer Society. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com