ERNEST RICHARD RIFE, 72 years of age of the Bend of Slate Section of Grundy, VA, passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at the Buchanan General Hospital, Grundy, VA, following an extended illness. Born in Buchanan County, he was the son of the late George McClellan Sr. and Julie Hackney Rife. He was a lifelong resident of Buchanan County and was a member of the Crossview Church of Christ. He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and was a former employee of Beatrice Pocahontas and former President of the Local United Mine Workers of America Union.

Mr. Rife was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey Stacy Christian Rife, December 5, 2010.

He is survived by 1-Daughter: Tina Marie Rife Litzau, Bluewell, WV, 2-Step-Daughters: Deborah Christian and husband Robert Martinez, St. George, UT, Delores Christian and husband Stanley Keene, Grundy, VA, 2 Step-Sons: James Ellis and wife Mary Beth Christian, Grundy, VA, John R. Christian, Grundy, VA, 3-Sisters: Pearl and husband Preston Rife, Hurley, VA, Joan Matney, Cleveland, OH, Peggy Tremble, Dover, DE, 4-Brothers: Dalton Deutch, Abilene, TX, William E. “Tobe” and wife Doris Rife, Vansant, VA, Cleveland and wife Judy Rife, Athens, WV, Clarence and wife Joann Rife, Richlands, VA

Also, survived by 21-Grandchildren, 31-Great-Grandchildren and several Nieces and Nephews.

He was preceded in death by 1-Daugther: Sheila Dianne Trott; 1-Son: George Eugene Rife; 2-Brothers: Clyde Earl Rife and George “Peanut” McClellan Rife, Jr. 1-Step-Daughter: Donna Carol Christian Stacy; 1-Son-in-Law: Henry Eford Stacy; and 1-Grandson: Matthew Todd Keene.

Funeral Services for ERNEST RICHARD RIFE will be conducted Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel with Evg. Hobert Kennedy officiating with burial to follow in the Mountain Valley Memorial Park, Big Rock, Virginia.

Friends may call at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel Friday afternoon at 5:00 P.M. with services at 7:00 P.M.

Active Pallbearers will be Family and Friends.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.grundyfuneralhome.com

Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy, Virginia is in charge of all arrangements.