Phyllis J. (Leach) Rife

Phyllis J. (Leach) Rife, was the daughter of Phillip and Jeanette (Carr) Leach, born on March 16, 1950. Phyllis passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 23, 2022 at Taylor House Hospice, after a courageous 21 year battle with breast cancer.

Phyllis grew up in St. Marys area and graduated from Martensdale High School. She attended DMACC and Drake University with a degree in mathematics & physics. After graduation, she did her internship at Roosevelt School where she taught mathematics. Phyllis later began work for Blue Cross Blue Shield as a claims examiner and went through their in house programming course. She then began working in the insurance industry and received her LOMA certificate. Phyllis was a founding member of ABWA Noon Chapter.

There are so many admirable qualities that Phyllis encompassed. She was an engaged listener who made a difference in all the lives that she touched. She never stopped learning and had a passion for teaching others. She will be remembered for her strong will, spunk, great sense of humor, and generous loving heart. Above everything, family was most important to her and she cherished every moment spent with them.

She and Gene Rife raised two children, Gene Jr. and Jeanell. They added seven grandchildren and had great pride in their family.

Phyllis is survived by her loving husband of 54 years Gene Rife, children Gene Jr. (Samantha) and Jeanell, seven grandchildren Demarcus Rife, Harper Rife, Davis Rife, Devin Scott, Xzaver Scott, Chayvon McGruder, and Lechay McGruder, sisters Mary (Dwight) McCormick, Pam (Bruce) Dage, and Karen Kibbe, and a host of nieces, nephews & extended family.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents Phillip and Jeanette (Carr) Leach, brother Joel Leach, and brother-in-law Scott Kibbe.

Visitation will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 1, 2022, with funeral service following at 2:30 p.m., at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Burial will take place at Glendale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to American Cancer Society in memory of Phyllis.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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