Anna Rife

Anna Elizabeth (Alleman) Rife, age 77, of Chambersburg, departed this world on Tuesday, November 05, 2013 to be reunited with her loving husband, Merle W. Rife, who preceded her in death on February 26, 2001. Born on June 22, 1936 in Guilford Township, she was a daughter of the late Norman Alleman and Eva Spangler Alleman.
Anna worked at the former J. Shoeneman Company in Chambersburg prior to her marriage to Merle. Having grown up on several local farms, she and Merle began their married life as farmers. They then moved to a new home at 1167 Boyer Mill Road, Chambersburg. As Merle started work as an electrician, Anna assisted him as his telephone receptionist. While handling the duties at the family business and raising her children, she also worked for Eby’s Meats on market days at the old market building on Third Street in Chambersburg.
As their children grew into teenagers, Merle and Anna opened Rife Electric Supplies in Chambersburg. It operated until January of 1985, when it succumbed to a fire. Anna again resumed her duties as a homemaker and had time to enjoy her grandchildren. Aside for caring for her family, her hobbies included doing crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, sewing and traveling. She attended Antrim Brethren in Christ Church and she was a member of the Berean Sunday School class.
Surviving are four children, Audrey F. Wenger (Myron) of Chambersburg, Lee R. Rife (Barbara) of St. Thomas, Doris J. Wenger (Glen) of St. Thomas, and Eldon J. Rife (April) of Chambersburg; grandchildren, Shawn Wenger, Miranda Wenger, Chase Wenger, Brandon Rife, Sloane Wenger, Collin Rife and Garrett Rife; siblings, Erma Gettel (Jay), Paul Alleman (Mary), Mary Lesher (Marvin), Glenn Alleman (Jean), and Nelson Alleman (Deborah). She was preceded in death by two sisters, Betty Yeager (Marlin –also deceased) and Helen, who died as an infant. After Merle passed away Anna lived with her daughter, Audrey for several years and received wonderful care from her and her family. She then moved to Menno Haven and the family would like to thank them for the excellent care and compassion shown by the entire staff.
Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Friday, November 8, 2013 in the Antrim Brethren in Christ Church, 24 East Kauffman Road, Chambersburg, PA 17202, with Rev. Ky Searcy officiating. Interment will follow at Air Hill Cemetery (located across from Air Hill Brethren In Christ Church, 7041 Cumberland Highway, Chambersburg, PA). The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM Thursday at Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA and from 9:00-10:00 AM Friday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Menno Haven Benevolent Fund, 2011 Scotland Road, Chambersburg, PA 17201 or Antrim Brethren In Christ Church at the address listed above.