Lewes, DE: Elwood Olin Riffle, 95, of Lewes, DE passed away on July 10, 2018 at the Milford Place in Milford, DE. Born May 27, 1923 he was the son of the late Albert Riffle and Nellie G. Moser. He is preceded in death by his wife, Jean B. Riffle. He is survived by daughter, Susan Pearson and her husband, Ron of Lewes, DE; one son, Kenneth O. Riffle and his wife, Barbara of Laurel, MD; daughter, Patricia A. Riffle of Lewes, DE; and daughter Laurie Kelly of Cedar City, Utah; four grandchildren, Christopher Pearson and his wife, Brooke of Crozet, VA; Robyn Pearson Rodenhaver and her husband, Jason of Centreville, MD; Olin Kenneth Riffle and his wife, Susan of Annapolis, MD; and Jennifer Kelly of Cedar City, Utah; eight great-grandchildren, Connor, Caroline and Catherine Pearson of Crozet, VA; Austin, Reese and Gavin Rodenhaver of Centreville, MD; Myles and Siena Riffle of Annapolis, MD; two brothers, Albert D Riffle of Frederick, MD and Franklin Riffle of Thurmont, MD. Elwood served in World War II in the United States Army, Induction Place, Ft. Meade, MD; He served in the 3039th Ordnance Base Power Train Rebuild Company earning the Rank 1st Sgt. In many different locations of service, he was responsible for the procurement and maintenance of all wheeled and motored vehicles in New Guinea, Southern Philippines, and Luzon. Elwood then was honorably discharged January 23, 1946. Elwood served as Commander from 1957 to 1959 at the Edwin C. Creeger, Jr. Post 168 American Legion, Thurmont, MD and where he was a lifetime member. After his discharge from Army, he worked at "Riffle's Garage" with his brothers and drove a school bus where his met his wife, Jean.
Jean B Riffle, 85, passed away in Jupiter December 11, 2014. Jean had been the secretary of the Thurmont Middle School for over 25 years. Jean was also the church organist and choir director of Thurmont Methodist Church. She was the organist for many weddings in the Thurmont area. She had the honor of playing for presidents when they attended church service at the Methodist Church such as Dwight D. Eisenhower and Mamie, Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird, along with their daughters, Lynda Bird and Luci. Richard M. Nixon and Pat also attended church service with daughters, Patricia and Julie. Jean loved golf and quilting. After selling Riffle's Garage, they moved to Jupiter, Fla. Elwood was active in golfing, served on the Board of Directors for his condominium association, volunteered at First Jupiter Church where one of his favorite things to do was helping with dinners on Thursday. After Jean's death, he relocated to Lewes, DE to be near family in 2014. In addition to his parents and wife, he is preceded by brothers, Kermit Riffle and Leroy Riffle and one Great-Grandson Colin Alexander Pearson. Memorial Services to celebrate Elwood's life will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at The Ridings of Rehoboth Clubhouse, 30480 Park Pavilion Way, Lewes, DE 19958; and at 2:00 PM on Thursday, August 9, 2018 at the Milford House, 500 S. DuPont Blvd., Milford, DE 19963. A Celebration of Life for both Elwood and Jean will be held on Friday, August 17, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Weller United Methodist Church, 101 N. Altamont Ave., Thurmont, MD 21788. Pastor Bob Kells will officiate. Inurnment for Elwood and Jean will follow with Military Honors in the church cemetery. A fellowship reception with light refreshments will be offered following the inurnment. In Lieu of Flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Delaware Hospice, checks payable to "Vitas Health Care", 30265 Commerce Dr., Suite 202/203, Millsboro, DE 19966 in honor of Elwood Riffle. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.boundsfuneralhome.com
