Ruth E. Rardon Rife

PALMYRA, Mo. -- Ruth E. Rardon Rife, 78, of Palmyra, went to be with the Lord at 12:50 a.m. Tuesday (Sept. 21, 2010) from Blessing Hospital, Quincy, Ill.

She was born June 16, 1932, in Ely, a daughter of Thomas J. and Margaret M. Tate Reddick. She married Arthur N. Rardon on May 27, 1950, in Quincy. He died Feb. 13, 1976. She later married Robert R. Rife on Oct. 29, 1983, in Quincy. He died Aug. 29, 2005.

Ruth was a beautiful person, had a heart of gold and was loved by many. She loved her family and was the best mother, grandmother and great-grandmother anyone could ask for. She was loyal to her church and loved the Lord. If everyone could love, forgive and help others the way that she did, the world would be a better place. Mom, we are at peace knowing you are with our Lord and you will be greatly missed.

Ruth was a loving mother to her nine children, Arthur Rardon Sr. and his wife, Connie, Joyce Nichols, Thomas Rardon and his wife, Darla, David Rardon, Cynthia Mason and her husband, Mark, Rita Robbins and her husband, Harlan, Robert Rardon and his wife, Sharon, Pamela Leaver and her husband, Jack, and Ricky Rardon and his wife, Julie; grandmother to 34; and great-grandmother to 30. Also surviving Ruth are a twin sister, Ruby Jacobs; sisters-in-law, Dixie Rardon, Clara Reddick, Darlene Reddick and Sandy Reddick; brothers-in-law, Charles Rardon and Everett Constable; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

In addition to both her husbands, Ruth was also preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Rosa Webster along with her husband, Darryl, Nellie Constable, Lena Reed along with her husband, George, and Eva Hipkins along with her husband, Burl; brothers, Owen Reddick along with his wife, Laura, Frederick Reddick, Jesse Reddick and Thomas Reddick Jr.; sisters-in-law, Betty Miller, Donna Deming along with her husband, Delmo, Opal White and Eunice Houston; brothers-in-law, Dale Rardon, Billy Dale Preston, Pete Kindle and Richard Jacobs; along with mother- and father-in-law, Elizabeth and Clyde Preston.

SERVICES: 10:30 a.m. Monday in the Duker and Haugh Funeral Home in Quincy with the Rev. George Tomko conducting. Burial will be in Sunset Cemetery, Quincy.

VISITATION: 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday in the Duker and Haugh Funeral Home.

MEMORIALS: Parkview Christian Church, Quincy.

ARRANGEMENTS: Duker and Haugh Funeral Home, Quincy.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.whig.com.