William L. Fife

CEDARVILLE — William L. Fife, a kind, congenial, and hard-working man, passed away at the age of 92 on Monday, April 3, 2023. Modest and unpretentious, Bill seldom spoke about himself. Bill was born in Gallipolis, Ohio on May 12, 1930, to the late Walter and Millie Fife, the 13th of 16 children. He spent his formative years in Cedarville, Ohio. In 1949, Bill graduated from Cedarville High School, the first of his siblings to do so. He attended Cedarville College where he earned his B.S. in Education and played baseball and basketball. In 1951, Bill married his high school sweetheart Margaret (Peg) Bradfute. Following graduation from Cedarville College in 1953, he began his teaching career in the Pike-Monroe School District, where he taught, in his words, "a little bit of everything," coached three sports, and drove a school bus. In 1956, Bill was employed by Kettering City Schools, and relocated with his growing family to Bellbrook. He earned his Master's degree from Miami University, and in 29 years at Kettering held several positions, including Teacher, Coach, Athletic Director, Guidance Counselor, Assistant Principal, and Unit Principal. In the early 1960's, Bill and a fellow Kettering teacher organized summer sports and activities for kids-a program that would evolve into Kettering's nationally recognized Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts. In 1965, Bill, with his wife and children, moved to the family farm outside of Xenia. His work ethic was formidable and he was seldom idle. He enjoyed the rewards that came with manual labor and was most at home in the outdoors. A quiet and easy-going person, Bill enjoyed fishing, gardening, woodworking, and being with his grandchildren. He and Peg were active members of Xenia's Memorial Presbyterian Church. He served as President of both the Greene County Historical Society and the Greene County Retired Teachers Association. Bill and Peg traveled extensively and hosted numerous international students and guests. Bill was preceded in death by Peg, his loving wife of nearly 50 years, and his son-in-law, David Liggitt. He spent the last twenty years living in Cincinnati with his caring partner, Norma Kolb, who passed away in November of 2022. Bill is survived by his five children: Scott (Wendy Wheeler-Fife); Terry Fife (McKim Barnes); Linda Fife; Mark (Pat); Robin Fife-Riley (Pat Riley); nine beloved grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother Don Fife of Springfield, and extended family and friends. Private services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio's Hospice of Dayton, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, the Kettering Parks Foundation, or any organization that honors Bill Fife's life and legacy. Condolences may be made to the family at www.NeeldFuneralHome.com.