Joan Lucille Rife

Joan Lucille Rife, 90, Kokomo, passed away at 11:40 pm on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Century Villa, in Greentown. She was born in North Grove, IN on July 3, 1934, to the late Paul and Ruby (Myers) Zook.  On October 23, 1953, she married her best friend, Ovid “Bud” Rife, and he preceded her in death on March 11, 2014.

Joan graduated from Eastern High School in 1952. Joan and Bud lived in Roann, Indiana until 1954 when they moved to rural Howard County, near Plevna. She worked in the cafeteria at Eastern Elementary for 33 years before retiring.  She was a member of Kokomo Zion Church, where she sang in their choir. She was also a member of the Kokomo Quilt Club, and Eastern Star.  Joan loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, gardening, and working in her yard.

Joan is survived by her children, Rick (companion, Michelle Scott) Rife, Brad Rife, and Lucinda (Kevin) Moss; grandchildren, Joseph (Sarah) Rife, Jonathan (Jamie) Rife, Jamin ( Bobby) Cutler, Mallory (Will Guthrie) Butts, and Grayson (Grace Thompson) Butts; great-grandchildren, Magdalena Pearl Rife, Bart Cutler, and Natalie Justice; siblings, Janet Wiles, and John Zook; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Ruby; husband, Bud; and siblings, James Zook and Judy Cook.

A funeral service will take place at 1pm on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Kokomo Zion Church, 5051 County Road E 400 N, Kokomo. Burial will follow in Mast-Hensler Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit the family from 11 am to 1 pm on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the church.  Memorial contributions may be made in Joan’s name to the charity of your choice.  Hasler & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.  Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.

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