Nancy Jean (McGhee) Rifenberry, 84, of Ottumwa, departed this life to be in heaven with her Lord and Savior and family March 4, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. at Ottumwa Regional Health Center
She was born August 11, 1940 in Ottumwa to Marvin Andrew and Vera Evelyn Schertz McGhee. She married John Roy Rifenberry Sr. December 29, 1962 in Tustin, CA. To this union 3 children were born in Lancaster, CA, John Jr., Kristine and Robert. Her husband, John preceded her in death December 10, 2009.
Nancy graduated from Agency High School in 1958. She earned her nursing degree (LVN) at Antelope Valley Junior College in 1980. She worked at Lancaster Community Hospital from 1980 until 1996 when her and John moved back to her hometown, Ottumwa, to be closer to family.
She was a member Trinity Lutheran Church, and she loved to read and crochet.
Surviving is her son, Robert (Laura) Rifenberry of Virginia Beach, VA; a son-in-law, Scott Bishop of Utah; 7 grandchildren, Julianna (CJ) Simmango of Texas, Josh (Catherine) Smith of Texas, Jeremy (Jezzika) Smith of Virginia, Megan (Fredrick) Blanchard of Michigan, Krystal Bishop of Utah, Hannah Rifenberry and Haylee Rifenberry both of Virginia; 7 great grandchildren; a sister, Kay Irwin; a sister-in-law, Jane McGhee; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Vera; a son, John Rifenberry Jr.; a daughter, Kristine Bishop; siblings, Cleo Giltner, Shirley Fogle, Harold McGhee, Reva Gilliland and Wayne McGhee.
Visitation will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday March 9th at Reece Funeral Home with family present to greet friends 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday March 10th at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor James Preus officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.
