Nancy S. Rife
Nancy S. Rife, 70, of Winamac, passed away on Monday, April 21 at home surrounded by family and friends.
Born June 29, 1954 at the U.S. Naval Hospital in San Diego, California, she was the daughter of the late Carl Alberts Jr. and Shirley Alberts (Schroeder).
Nancy dedicated her life to caring for others. She graduated from the Parkview-Methodist School of Nursing in 1975 and spent the first eight years of her nursing career at Elkhart General Hospital.
On May 21, 1983, she married the love of her life, Robert Rife, and moved to Winamac where she continued her calling at Pulaski Memorial Hospital. Over the next 41 years, Nancy became a cornerstone of the hospital, retiring in 2024 after a long and passionate career.
Nancy’s greatest love was for her two children, Hillary and Adam. As a mother, she poured her heart into raising them with tenderness, patience, and unconditional love and support. Whether cheering them on in their pursuits, guiding them through life’s challenges, or simply being present in the everyday, Nancy’s love and devotion to her children knew no bounds.
A devoted member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac, Nancy lived her faith through kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those around her. She was an avid fan of Notre Dame women’s basketball and was a frequent face at their games. Nancy also found joy in traveling with friends, making trips to the movies, relaxing with a good book, anything Vera Bradley, and all things related to Christmas.
Nancy’s life was one of care, love, selflessness, and unwavering strength. She touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who had the blessing of knowing her.
Survivors include daughter Hillary Pine [Chris] of Winamac; son Adam Rife of Carmel; sisters: Linda Gleitz of Plymouth, Crissie and Jan Garrison of Plymouth; brother-in-law, Jeff and Dawn Rife of Winamac; sister-in-law, Karen Sommers of Monticello; nieces and nephews: PJ and Chris Brucker of Winamac, Lynn and Todd Edgell of Monticello, Lance and Becky Hiatt of Jacksonville, Florida, Cameron Garrison of Lynchburg, Virginia, Samantha and Eric Wagner of Rushville, Cory and Danielle Gleitz of Plymouth, Morgan Garrison of Plymouth, Andrew and Tina Gleitz of Aurora, Colorado, Sierra and Colby Wood of Winamac and Keely Garrison of Plymouth; and great-nieces and nephews: Leland Hiatt, Alexandra Edgell, Payden Edgell, Paisely Bonnell, Baylor Wood, Lillian Wagner, Huxley Wood, Talia Gleitz and Grant Wagner.
She was also preceded in death by husband, Robert Rife; mother and father-in-law, JB and Gloria Rife; mother-in-law, Joyce Rife; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Elizabeth and Dale Hiatt.
A Mass of Christian Burial was at 10 a.m., Friday, April 25 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac.
Visitation was from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 24 at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Winamac Chapel, 110 N. Sally Dr., Winamac.
Burial was at Winamac Cemetery McKinley Addition.
A Rosary Service was at 4 p.m., Thursday, April 24 at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be made to the St. Vincent House at www.give.stvincent.org.
Nancy’s online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.
(Pulaski County Journal — April 30, 2025)