Obituary of Anne M. Rife

Anne Marie Moon Rife, 76,  passed away peacefully in the early hours of August 7, 2025. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, August 13, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. at Paul W. Harris Funeral Home. Additionally, a memorial service, with reception to follow, will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025. The service and reception will happen at Paul W. Harris Funeral Home: 570 Kings Hwy S., Rochester, NY 14617. 

Born on July 18^th, Anne grew up in the 19^th Ward. She graduated from West High School and attended the Eastman School of Music where she studied violin, achieving first chair of the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (RPYO). Anne went on to take classes at Alfred State College, which was when she met the love of her life William (Bill) Rife. The two were married on August 1, 1970. Anne and Bill went on to have four beautiful, dynamic children: Kelly, Matthew, Melissa, and Sarah.

Anne spent numerous years working for the West Irondequoit Central School District in a variety of capacities, serving the school community faithfully for roughly 25 years. She supported the community’s youth sports along with her husband, in addition to volunteering for many school and town charities/activities. Anne was also an avid tennis player, a talented quilter, and a die hard reader. She believed in the importance of both education and libraries.

She is survived by her husband, William (Bill) Rife; her four children: Kelly Ide, Matthew Rife, Melissa Rife, and Sarah Rife; and her three grandchildren: Xavier Ide, Mattisen Rife, and Sophia Rife. Anne is also survived by her oldest brother, Lawrence Moon Jr. (Sharon), older brother, Richard Moon (Linda), and predeceased by younger brother, John Moon, who passed on December 16, 2024. She has a number of lovely nieces and nephews: Jennifer, Kristin, Sarah, Lisa, David, William, Jon, and Jason, as well as grand nieces and nephews.

Anne is also survived by her sisters-in-law: Carol Smith, Martha Delehant, Elaine Burke (Pat), and brother-in-law, Donald Rife Jr. (Jill). She is predeceased by her brother-in-law, James Rife, who passed on January 3, 2015. Again, there are many delightful nieces and nephews: Tanya, Amy, James, Elizabeth, Pat Jr, Mike, Theresa, Cece, Monica, Julie, Marcy, and Tom. Also, there are more wonderful grand nieces and nephews. (Whew, if you read this far, well done!)

“Love is a flower that grows in any soil, works its sweet miracles

undaunted by autumn frost or winter snow, blooming fair and fragrant

all the year, and blessing those who give and those who receive.”

- Louisa May Alcott