Mary Jane Rife

Mary Jane Rife, 96, a resident of Paramount Senior Living in Fayetteville, passed away on Wednesday, September 4th, 2024. Born February 3, 1928 in Greenvillage, Pennsylvania, she was a daughter of the late Harry M. and Jennie Bowen Eckenrode and widow to the late Glen Rife, who preceded her in death on July 4, 2003.

A homemaker for most of her adult life, she enjoyed the time spent with her family. Although she did not havechildren of her own, she was very gifted in caring and nurturing for her nieces and nephews. She loved to pamper them and they always went home with a full belly and plenty of treats. She enjoyed cooking and baking. She was an avid reader and in her younger years loved going fishing at the Outer Banks with her husband.

Mary Jane is survived by her brother, Joseph Eckenrode of Fayetteville, PA and numerous nieces and nephews. Aside from her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Emma, Harry, Robert, John and Bruce.

A graveside service will be held in Upper Strasburg Methodist Church Cemetery, Upper Strasburg, PA. Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Chambersburg. 

The family would like to mention several local neighbors, friends, and family who have helped Mary Jane over recent years. In particular, Linda Gearity, Heather Shoop, Dodie and Denny Tash, Cheryl McCleary, Bob Belding, Julie and Frank Plank, Brenda Cornelius, and Judy Bradley. Also, Mary Jane’s wonderful caregivers (who became her extended family!) at Paramount Senior Living.