Rosella Ruth Reif

Rosella R. Reif, 83, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, passed away Sept. 21, 2025, in Ocean City, Maryland.

She was born Sept. 8, 1942, in Burlington, the daughter of Howard and Dorothy Van Loon Reif.

She graduated from Sperry High School in 1960 as class valedictorian. She attended the AIC business school in Burlington.

She worked at the Des Moines County auditor's office in Burlington for four years. In 1965, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she joined the State Department. During her career, she held posts in Japan, Australia, Barbados, Hawaii, and San Francisco.

She resided in Fredericksburg, Virginia, during her retirement years, where she was an active participant for over 30 years in the ElderStudy program affiliated with Mary Washington University.

She was a founding member of the ElderStudy book group, a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, a museum docent, and was involved in many other cultural and social activities in the Fredericksburg area. Acquaintances remember her effervescent spirit, curiosity, warmth, and friendship with many.

She is survived by a brother, Van D. Reif of Bridgewater, New Jersey; a sister, Evelyn Michaud of Champaign, Illinois; and friend Clark Rhoades of Worcester, New York, and Fredericksburg, Virginia.

A memorial service is planned at a later date.