Lorene K. Rife

Lorene K. Rife, 96, of Dongola, IL, passed away Friday, July 10, 2009 at 12:43 A.M. at Heritage Manor in Springfield. Lorene was born at home in rural Dongola, IL on April 29, 1913 to Arty Herman and Ora Anna (Montgomery) Keller. She was married to Lymon C. Rife on October 25, 1938; he died February 24, 1993. She was the last surviving member of the Dongola High School class of 1930. She attended the Univ. of IL at Urbana and graduated from Southern IL Univ., Carbondale in 1962. She retired as a schoolteacher, teaching elementary education at schools in Dongola, Hofner, Pulaski, Balcom, Wetaug, Olmstead and Moscow in southern Illinois. Lorene was a member of Friendship Baptist Church, Dongola, IL where she taught Sunday School and played the piano for many years. She was a member of Order of the Eastern Star, Illinois Retired Teachers Association, SIU Alumni Association, and Union County Home Extension. Her many hobbies included genealogy, gardening, antique collecting, cooking, crossword puzzles, and she was an avid reader. She loved all animals, but especially cats; having numerous cats over her lifetime. Also preceding her in death are her parents, brother, Floyd Keller (wife, Mamie, deceased), and nephew Dennis Keller (wife, Effie, deceased). Lorene is survived by her son, Lee (wife, Marilyn); two grandsons, Christopher (wife, Valerie) and Aaron (wife, Erin); three great-grandchildren, Emily, Andrew, and Austin, all of Springfield, IL. Also surviving are her great-nephew Bryan Keller of Anna, IL and two great-nieces, Darcy Murphy of Carbondale, IL and Roseanne Herr of Energy, IL and many cousins. Memorial contributions may be made to Friendship Baptist Church, 390 Friendship Rd, Dongola, IL 62926 or Baptist Children's Home, 949 County Rd, 1300 N., Carmi, IL 62821. A visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2009 at Friendship Baptist Church, 390 Friendship Rd., Dongola, IL. Funeral ceremonies will follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Paul Sadler officiating. Burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery.