Wilma Stratton Rife, born September 15, 1928, in Newton, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 16, 2025. Service and reception will be held at 2pm, Saturday, November 29th at Plymouth Congregational Church in Lawrence Kansas.
Wilma grew up in Hesston, Kansas, the daughter of Wallace Wilson Stratton and Mary Wenger. She attended elementary school before graduating from Newton High School in 1946. A gifted student, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude from Southwestern College in Winfield in 1949. In 1948, she married Max Lee Rife, with whom she shared many years of partnership and family life.
Teaching was Wilma’s first calling. Over the course of more than 20 years, she taught in Cowley County—including a one-room schoolhouse—Geneseo, Inman, and Central Junior High School in Lawrence. Her dedication to education led her to pursue further academic achievement, earning a Master’s degree in English from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a Master’s in Library Science from Emporia State University in 1976.
Wilma joined the staff of Mabee Library at Washburn University in 1977. Her leadership and commitment to academic service led to her appointment as Director of Mabee Library in 1984, a role she held until her retirement in 1994. She was honored as Librarian Emeritus in 1995.
Wilma is survived by her children: Kurt Rife, Joel Rife and his wife Nancy Coleman, Trish Rife and her husband Pat Robinson and Libby Rife and her husband Ed Holub.
She is also survived by her grandchildren: Shannon Rife-Brown and her husband, Brad Brown, Wilson Rife and partner Jessa Karst, Jacob Robinson and partner Abby Charles, Sam Robinson, Amanda Robinson, Chad Robinson Jessica Robinson and Zach Holub; and great-grandchildren: Emery, Bethany and Lucian.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Max Rife, and by her daughters-in-law, Patti Rife and Gail Massie.
In retirement, she enjoyed reading, family gatherings with food, travel, many UK trips with family and friends, and all PBS programming. Wilma loved her country home, its surrounding walks and wild creatures, and an occasional Manhattan on the deck at sunset. She shared her life with many dogs and cats, especially Queen Emily who stole her heart.
Wilma will be remembered for her sharp mind, her socialist tendencies, and her dedication to a good read. We will miss you, Mom.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made toward the Renovation of the Plymouth Sanctuary or the Lawrence Humane Society.
From our families to yours, we are sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Close neighbors for a long time and many childhood memories for all the gang.
It was a pleasure to help Max and Wilma buy cars from me for so many years.
Aunt Mimi was absolute joy! We will miss her strength, empowerment of others, and witty humor. Love and support to Kurt, Joel, Trish, Libby and the grandkids.
I’ve known your mom forever. I’m going to miss her. Your dad and mom were some of my parents best friends. We all grew older together with parents teaching and coaching. My heart goes out to you. Kurt, Joel , Trish, Libby… love you guys! I am so sorry for your loss. If I can do anything for you, let me know. Michael Martin
I’ve known your mom forever. I’m going to miss her. Your dad and mom were some of my parents best friends. We all grew older together with parents teaching and coaching. My heart goes out to you. Kurt, Joel , Trish, Libby… love you guys! I am so sorry for your loss. If I can do anything for you, let me know. Michael Martin
Kurt, Joel, Trish & Libby,
Your mom was such a classy lady! I had her for 9th grade English at Central and she was one of the BEST teachers I ever had. I remember bringing the wrong book to class one time (and I can tell you I never did that again)!!
She was a good friend to my mom and I remember some very lively conversations between the two of them.
What a wonderful life she lived. She will be truly missed!
God Bless,
We remember Wilma’s many years of loyal service, along with Max, in serving the needy of our community through Plymouth’s monthly lunches provided through LINK.
Joel so sorry for your loss of your Mother