Bob was born to Lanpher and Julia Nifong in Pittsburg, Kan., March 28, 1929, and was raised there. Bob earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering from the University of Kansas at Lawrence. It was while he was attending the university that he met Elizabeth Mary Leach; they were married on August 27, 1950. He served briefly on active duty with the United States Navy at the U.S. Naval Construction Battalion Center at Port Hueneme after earning his degree. Later he worked at companies in Indiana and Kansas before moving to Oxnard with his wife, Betty and their first three children in 1960.

After moving to Oxnard they were blessed with three more children. Bob worked as a civil service engineer at the Pacific Missile Test Center at Point Mugu from 1961 until his retirement in 1989. He also served with the U.S. Naval Reserve, and retired from that service in 1985, with the rank of Captain for the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps.

Bob and his wife were long time members at Santa Clara Church in Oxnard where he served as a sacristan. He also served in many capacities with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He was a member of The Knights of Columbus in Oxnard and for one year served as Grand Knight. Bob was fully dedicated to his wife and six children, working hard to take care of them.

He loved camping as well as hiking, and took his family on many camping trips. His favorite spots to camp included Lake Cachuma and Sequoia National Park. A special tradition that he enjoyed were the family trips in the summer when they drove across country to Kansas. After Bob retired he spent many hours enjoying activities with his grandchildren. They will especially remember him taking them to the base in Pt. Hueneme to swim; hiking with him and spending many after-school hours with him.

He was preceded in death by Betty Nifong, his wife of more than 50 years. He is survived by his son, Stephen Christopher Nifong of Idaho; daughters and sons-in-law, Cathleen and Brian Wentz of Cedar City, Utah, Teresa and Andrew Zilke of Paso Robles, Angela and Jeff Giroux of Ojai, Monica Evans of London, England and Aimee and Paul Nozzi of Ventura. His grandchildren are Melissa Gutierrez Noble, Caree Jeanne Zurita and her husband Luis, Lucas Wentz, Morgan, Rhiannon, Dylan and Bethinn Evans, and Nina and Amber Nozzi. Great-grandchildren include, Robert Wright, Jeremiah and Citlali Guevara and Scarlett Zurita.

Visitation will take place Wednesday, February 6, Noon until 5 p.m. at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Rosary will be recited by Deacon Larry Lopez Wednesday, February 6, 7 p.m. at Santa Clara Catholic Church, 323 South "E" Street, Oxnard. Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Monsignor Jon Majarucon, Thursday, February 7, 10 a.m. also at Santa Clara Church. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at Santa Clara Cemetery, Oxnard. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ventura County Star from Feb. 3 to Feb. 6, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Nifong

7 Entries

Larry Barbarine

February 8, 2013

Monica and Aimee, I read early this morning about your father's passing. My prayers to the Lord Jesus for and condolences to you all.
Larry Barbarine SCHS '81

Maxine Campbell

February 8, 2013

Blessings to the Nifong family. God Bless all of you and looking forward to seeing Monica in London on her return. Maxine Campbell - London

Linda Montoya

February 7, 2013

To the Nifong children, the six adult children of Bob and Betty Nifong: Stephen (Chris), Cathleen, Teresa, Angela, Monica, and Aimee

As each of you courageously honor the death of your father through his funeral and burial today, may you know that you have been blessed. May you celebrate his life, mourn his loss and face the grief and pain that you are feeling now.

To Aimee, his youngest daughter, I love you. Twenty five years ago, during our escrow days; you said these words to me..., "Linda, promise me that we will be friends forever". I treasure your friendship more than you will ever now. Snippets of sharing in your family life come to mind, such as: you preparing to go on a missionary trip, praying about meeting a handsome man named Paul, your mom holding one of your little baby girls who was only hours old, and those dark days n February about 12 years ago, when your mom was taken from this earth suddenly. You have done so much during these final seasons of your father's life. Your husband Paul and daughters Nina and Amber have sacrificed a lot while you attended to your dad's needs and comfort.

And now his children have come from far and wide to honor the man who gave them life. Monica, you came from London, Chris from Idaho, Cathleen from Utah, and the three California
girls are gathering together for their "Daddy"

In the last week, the tapestry of the precious life that your parents provided for you six children has become vivid beyond imagination. You guys have truly been blessed. You have been given more than most people will have in a lifetime. Your were raised with two parents who were married for 50 years, raised in a family with faith in the living God. Walking the steps of the historic Santa Clara Church in Oxnard, drinking in the profound beauty of the neighborhood and hearing you kids telling of your childhood, I couldn't help but think that you six children have had the idyllic childhood. Your father was a good provider. Your parents put you kids through private school. You grew up n a very nice neighborhood and had a family home, a house with six bedrooms. And, Stephen, how did you survive having five sisters?

Yet we know that there is no perfect family. Life is hard. In this world you will have doubles, but take heart. Your parents kept on keeping on.

Now you six children of Bob and Betty have gathered together again. Know that the sibling relationship may be the most influential relationship of a lifetime. You were blessed to have your parents for decades. Spouses and children came into your lives later on. But siblings were there from the early years and live on past the death of your father. Embrace each other. Encourage each other. Often times when a parent dies, there is a formula for what happens with siblings. It is called "G squared". Deep grief and hurt can cause greed to surface. Guilt of things done or not can cause you to loose your peace and divide against each other. Don't let these things happen to you and your siblings. You have already been given everything you need.
In the month of February, each of your parents were honored with their final ceremony on earth. They have experienced the joy of being in the presence of the LIving God. This Valentine's day, I pray that each of you will allow the Lord to wipe your slate clean and strengthen you love for each other.

During the past months, I visited you dad in the care center a few times. He talked about your mom. He missed her greatly. I think his love and appreciation for her grew stronger each day. He told me how they used to dance. "Betty and I danced. We had so much fun dancing together. I don't even know if all my kids realize that we used to dance".

Stephen, Cathleen, Teresa, Angela, Monica and Aimee...know that life is a dance. Dare to come close to those you love. Honor the distance and everything in between. Your parents danced with each other. I am sure they stepped on each others toes at times. But know that your folks, Bob and Betty Nifong, kept on keeping on.

Teresa, thank you so much for the words you spoke at your father's vigil last night. You spoke from the heart. As you said, you and your siblings have truly been blessed.

Linda Montoya

February 6, 2013

Dear Nozzi Family,
We know "Grandaddy" will be deeply missed. I am sure all of your beautiful memories will keep him close to your hearts. We will be praying for peace during this time of loss.
Prayers and Blessings,
Tracy, Christine and Elizabeth

Donna Weigel

February 6, 2013

Monica our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

February 6, 2013

Dear Aimee, Paul, and our lovely nieces Nina and Amber,
We are so saddened by the loss of Bob. He was such a warm, wonderful, and welcoming man. He was easy to talk to and was so interesting. He was always smiling. He will be missed but we will smile when we remember him fondly.
Aimee,Paul,Nina,and Amber you are in our thoughts and prayers always. We love you all so much, Auntie Jane and Uncle Bob

February 2, 2013

Dear Aimee, Paul, Nina and Amber,
We are thinking of you and sending you love during
your time of loss.
We know your loving memories will stay with you
in your hearts and lives forever.
love, Joyce and Tim

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