Mary Catherine Rife

Mary Catherine Rife, age 75, of Gahanna, Ohio, passed away on March 16, 2026. Born on June 21, 1950, in Marion, Ohio, to the late Harold and Lorena Hoptry, Mary lived a life defined by warmth, joy, and an extraordinary devotion to the people she loved.

Mary took great pride in nurturing her marriage of 56 years to her beloved husband, Charles "Chuck" Rife, and in raising their two daughters. She brought sunshine wherever she went, greeting everyone with genuine compliments and a welcoming spirit that made each person feel truly seen. Among her siblings and extended family, she was a barrel of laughs, savoring every moment spent together. Mary has a remarkable gift of knowing just what to say to lift someone up, and she showed boundless enthusiasm for the accomplishments of others, celebrating even the smallest of moments with sincere excitement. That spirit of encouragement and acceptance of others became her legacy, carried forward through her family.

Mary loved music and Country Western dance, especially with Chuck. Mary met many good friends and had a great time dancing. She treasured summertime, planting flowers, decorating her home, and spending time with family. Her love of nature and animals reflected a deeper reverence she carried throughout her life, rooted in the verse she held close to her heart: "Be still and know that I am God." She never missed a moment of stillness and awe to acknowledge His incredible creation.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Margaret Ann Hoptry, Loretta (Frances) Hall, Georgia Hartley, and Markay Southward; and her brother, Larry (Nancy) Hoptry. She is survived by her husband, Chuck; daughters, Jennifer Wagner and Heather Hoover; grandchildren, Justin (Lucia) Wagner, Jillian (Malachi) Dewhurst, Jaden Wagner, Hannah (Mat Bisaro) Hoover, Caleb (Lydia Filgis) Hoover, Ella Hoover, and Claire Hoover; great-grandsons, Talon Wagner and Luca Bisaro, along with their families.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 1:00 pm. Mary's light will continue to shine through every life she touched and every heart she lifted.

Pastor Jim Gardner, from Byhalia Friends Fellowship Church, will be speaking in celebration of Mary's life.

Address of Celebration of Life: Blendon Community Fellowship- 4481 E. Dublin Granville Rd. Westerville, OH 43081