Rife, Gladys E. Nicolaysen

Gladys E. Nicolaysen Rife, 90, of Mechanicsville, died Monday, May 28, 2012, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids, from an apparent heart attack. Gladys' visitation will be Sunday, June 3, from 3 until 5 p.m. at Morgan Funeral Choices, Mount Vernon. Gladys' funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Gladys will be buried next to her husband in Rose Hill Cemetery, Mechanicsville. A light lunch will be served at the Memorial Building, Mechanicsville, following the committal service.

Surviving Gladys are two daughters, LaDonna (Bob) Seligers, Des Moines, and Roxy (John) Nanke, Mechanicsville; a daughter-in-law, Marion Rife; six grandchildren, Kendra, Terrie, Jim, John, Christa and Elizabeth; and six great-grandchildren.

Preceding Gladys in death were her parents; husband; and son, Ronald Rife.

Gladys was born Sept. 9, 1921, in Roma, Idaho, third child of Nick and Hattie Alice “Allie” Johnson Nicolaysen. Gladys and her family moved to Mechanicsville as a little girl. She graduated from Mechanicsville High School. Gladys married James “Jim” Rife on June 21, 1941, in Kahoka, Mo. She worked for the Mechanicsville School for over 40 years.

Gladys was a longtime member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Royal Neighbors.

Gladys enjoyed going out with her friends for lunch, playing cards, “and just being around people.” She helped coach students for their speech contest.

Memorials in Gladys' memory may be donated to the Mechanicsville Ambulance.

Online condolences: www.morganfuneralchoices.com.

Published May 31, 2012 in The Gazette