Thomas F. Rife Jr.

Thomas F. Rife, Jr, age 85, of North Canton, passed away in the comfort of his home on Saturday, January 10, 2009. He was born in Canton on January 26, 1923 to the late Thomas Sr. and Elma (Roden) Rife. He proudly served our country in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII as an AAF Radio Operator. He retired from Berger Manufacturing following 41 years as a die maker. Tom was an avid square and round dancer and he and his wife, Annamarie, traveled extensively teaching and cueing round dancing for 30 years. He was a member of numerous dance organizations including the Merri-Lu-Rounds, the Merri-Go-Rounds, the Carousel URDC Club #39 and the Drift-A-Rounds in Florida. In addition to dancing, Tom also enjoyed bowling, fishing and taking extended family camping vacations. He will always be remembered as a devoted and wonderful husband and father. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Estella Shields and Ruth Linck; and a brother Gilbert Rife. Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years Annamarie Rife; four children, Douglas Rife of Sarasota, FL, Cynthia Jencks of Cincinnati, OH, Thomas (Susan) Rife III of North Canton and Tim (Tracy) Rife of North Canton; grandchildren, Ian (Kelli) Rife of Cincinnati, Erika (Baya) Dewald of Nashville, TN, Mark Russ of Denver, CO, Lauren Rife of North Canton, Lucas Rife of North Canton, and Kelsey Rife of North Canton; two great grandchildren, Chloe Russ and Jude James Dewald; a brother Fred Rife; and a sister Lois Saus. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 12pm in the Reed Funeral Home North Canton Chapel, 801 Pittsburg Ave. NW, with Pastor Tim Bancroft officiating Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Garden. Calling hours will be two hours prior to the service from 10am -12pm in the funeral home. Those wishing to send condolences or share a fond memory, may sign the Reed On-Line Guestbook at www.reedfuneralhome.com.