John Lynn Rife

Obituary for John Lynn Rife
Funeral services for John Lynn Rife, 81, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, at
the First Baptist Church in Torrington, Wyoming, with Julie Newman officiating. Burial with
military honors will follow at Valley View Cemetery. John passed away on October 9, 2025, in
Torrington, Wyoming.
Visitation will be held at the Colyer Funeral Home on Thursday, October 16, from 3:00 to 4:00
p.m., and the casket will be open at the church prior to the service. Memorials may be given to
the First Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Colyer Funeral Home, and
condolences may be shared with the family at www.colyerfuneralhome.com.
Life and Legacy
John was born on November 1, 1943, in Torrington, Wyoming, to Ted and Gladys (Harris) Rife.
He graduated from Torrington High School, where he ran track and earned numerous medals
and awards.
In March 1963, John enlisted in the United States Army and was deployed to Vietnam as a
Hawk Missile Pulse Acquisition Radar Technician. He received several honors, including the
Sharpshooter Medal (Rifle M-14), the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He
was honorably discharged in 1965 and served in the Army Reserves until 1969.
After returning home, John attended Eastern Wyoming College and went on to earn a
Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming. His career as a
Mechanical Engineer with Texas Instruments reflected his lifelong love of learning and
innovation. Known for his inventive mind, he earned multiple patents and was widely respected
for his skill as a designer, welder, and problem solver.
A Lifelong Love
On November 17, 1960, John and his friend Jeris were "dragging Main" in his 1955 Studebaker
when he saw Sharon Kay (Brown) walking with three of her friends. One of the girls called out,
"John!" and he stopped the car in front of the bowling alley. He called out to Sharon, and they
began talking. Before long, he asked if they would like a ride in his car. That first conversation
led to their first date - a hayride with the Baptist Youth Fellowship. From that evening on, John
and Sharon saw each other often and quickly became high school sweethearts. They loved
dancing and going to football games, building a bond that only grew stronger with time.
After John enlisted in the Army, the couple became engaged on September 9, 1963, and were
married on June 1, 1964, at the First Baptist Church in Torrington. Their honeymoon doubled as
a trip to Fort Bliss, Texas, where John was stationed.
Following his military service, John and Sharon returned to Torrington to complete their studies
at Eastern Wyoming College, then moved to Laramie, where they both earned bachelor's
degrees - John in Engineering and Sharon in Education.
The couple eventually settled in Dallas, Texas, where John began his career with Texas
Instruments and Sharon taught business at Richland Junior College. Together, they built a
beautiful life grounded in faith, hard work, and love. They were blessed with two children,
Shawn Edward and Shanna Britta, and together founded Rife Enterprises, LLC, followed by Rife
Vineyards, the first certified organic vineyard in Texas.
In 2017, John and Sharon moved to Falcon, Colorado, where they continued their business
ventures while embracing time with their growing family.
A Man of Many Talents
John's passion for learning never faded. In his later years, he found immense joy in sharing
projects with his grandchildren and his son, Shawn. He was always ready to lend a hand, offer
advice, or teach a new skill. His unique talents, encouragement, and laughter made every
"crazy project" better. He loved helping others thrive, learn, and grow - and that was one of his
greatest gifts.
He also cherished visiting his daughter Shanna and her family, enjoying their shared love of
travel, hiking, gardening, museums, and adventurous food. Above all, John delighted in
watching his grandchildren grow up - taking pride in their education, creativity, and
accomplishments. His curiosity and joy were contagious, and his legacy lives on through each
of them.
Family
John is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Sharon Kay (Brown) Rife; his sister, Donna
(Mike) Vick; his son, Shawn Edward (Tania) Rife; his daughter, Shanna Britta (Vinnie) Mellnick;
and ten beloved grandchildren: Khaylen Rife (20), Kallie Rife (18), Cole Rife (16), Lucy Mellnick
(15), Maddox Rife (14), Addison Rife (12), Lillian Mellnick (12), Jade Rife (10), Layla Mellnick
(8), and Ivy Rife (4).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Gladys Rife.
John will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his joyful heart, and his generous spirit. He
lived life with curiosity, laughter, and purpose - always eager to lend a hand, share his
knowledge, and celebrate the people he loved most. His legacy of devotion to family, service to
others, and steadfast love for the Lord will continue to inspire all who knew him.