Robert Raymond Rifley passed away peacefully at the age of 85 at home with family on Nov. 15, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.Born in Columbus, Ohio, on Feb. 15, 1939, to Raymond Rifley and Florence Ross-Rifley, Robert’s early years were marked by his family’s move to Lakewood, Colorado. He attended Lakewood High School and later pursued studies at the University of Colorado in Boulder for two years before joining the U.S. Air Force. There, he attended cadet training for the 100th Air Refueling Squadron, Strategic Air Command, and earned the rank of captain.After completing four years in the Air Force, Robert returned to Denver, Colorado to complete his college education. He went on to establish a CPA firm and pursued a master’s degree in public administration. His upbringing in the motel and restaurant business endowed him with keen business acumen, enabling him to spot opportunities and create many successful ventures, always with his loving wife and business partner by his side.A cherished member of the Fraternal Order of Elks in Gunnison for many years, Robert developed lifelong friendships through his involvement in the organization.Robert was the most loving husband, great friend and devoted father to eight children. He always put family first, brought laughter to his family, and guided his children with faith, wisdom and kindness. He relished playing games with family and friends and never missed an opportunity to enjoy a good game of poker.Preceded in death by his daughter, Perri Ann Rifley, Robert leaves behind a loving wife, Donna, seven children, 17 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.A vigil will take place at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5 at Crippin Funeral Home in Montrose, Colorado, and a funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 6 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Montrose.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hope West Hospice, 725 S. 4th St., Montrose, CO 81401.
Robert Raymond Rifley passed away peacefully at the age of 85 at home with family on Nov. 15, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, on Feb. 15, 1939, to Raymond Rifley and Florence Ross-Rifley, Robert’s early years were marked by his family’s move to Lakewood, Colorado. He attended Lakewood High School and later pursued studies at the University of Colorado in Boulder for two years before joining the U.S. Air Force. There, he attended cadet training for the 100th Air Refueling Squadron, Strategic Air Command, and earned the rank of captain.
After completing four years in the Air Force, Robert returned to Denver, Colorado to complete his college education. He went on to establish a CPA firm and pursued a master’s degree in public administration. His upbringing in the motel and restaurant business endowed him with keen business acumen, enabling him to spot opportunities and create many successful ventures, always with his loving wife and business partner by his side.
A cherished member of the Fraternal Order of Elks in Gunnison for many years, Robert developed lifelong friendships through his involvement in the organization.
Robert was the most loving husband, great friend and devoted father to eight children. He always put family first, brought laughter to his family, and guided his children with faith, wisdom and kindness. He relished playing games with family and friends and never missed an opportunity to enjoy a good game of poker.
Preceded in death by his daughter, Perri Ann Rifley, Robert leaves behind a loving wife, Donna, seven children, 17 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
A vigil will take place at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5 at Crippin Funeral Home in Montrose, Colorado, and a funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 6 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Montrose.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hope West Hospice, 725 S. 4th St., Montrose, CO 81401.
