Fay Ione Riffe, age 73, of Hoquiam, Washington, left to be with her Lord and Savior on August 5, 2021.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred Catherine (Tallman) and Alvin David Carlson of Olalla, Washington; sister Elaine Smith; brother-in-law, Naaman Riffe and baby brother Lee Carlson.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Glean Raymond Riffe; daughters, Wendy Drucker (Barry) of Portland, Lori Roach (Bob) of Ironton, Ohio and Tracy Ione Riffe of Ironton, Ohio; four grandchildren, Amanda Fay Scarberry, Jacob Lee Burns, Abrianna Rae Drucker and Blake Ryland Drucker; one great granddaughter, Elowen Mae; a brother, Melvin Carlson (Rose) and sister, Evelyn Age and sisters-in-law, Isabel Riffe, Shiral Boone (Dan) and Tracy Carlson. The extended family includes many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Fay was born in Bremerton, Washington on Sept. 5, 1947, and spent her youth in Olalla, Washington until, at the age of 16 she met Ray, the love of her life. They were married three days after graduating from South Kitsap High School. She then moved to Hoquiam and later Central Park, Aberdeen to raise her three girls.
Fay was very involved with her girls in the community being their softball coach, Blue Bird and Campfire Girls leader.
In 1981, the family moved to Ohio where she remained active with the girls’ 4-H and doing seamstress work making their band uniforms. Fay retired from St. Mary’s Medical in 1998 to babysit her first two grandchildren while the girls worked. Later, when Raymond retired, they traveled and ended back in Hoquiam in 2004.
Fay was an artist. She made dozens of beautiful quilts and carvings; her talents were endless. We will all miss her jam!
Fay loved with all her soul. She was the ultimate optimist. Always looked on the brighter side of life. Even though her heart failed – it was bigger and stronger than most. She was a natural beauty, direct and tough when she needed and softer than the sweetest touch. She was so proud of her grandchildren and great-grandbaby, Elowen.
Everyone who knew her loved her. We love you mom.
There was a service held for Fay on Monday, August 9, 2021, at the Coleman Mortuary chapel.
Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the online register at www.colemanmortuary.net.
