Dortha Rife

Dortha Rife, age 83, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, in Beaumont, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of love, service and devotion to her family, friends and community. She was born on January 10, 1943, in Lebanon, Tennessee. She dedicated her life to the compassionate care of others and left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She was a devoted wife and loving mother to four children, a proud grandmother, and a cherished great grandmother. A member of the Park Central Church of Christ, Dortha’s faith and family were the cornerstones of her existence. She loved all the ladies in her Wednesday morning ladies Bible class. For more than 50 years she worked as a Licensed Vocational Nurse touching countless lives with her compassion, skill and gentle spirit. Most of her career was working for Dr. Watkins and Dr. Franz here in Groves, that’s where she met some ladies that would end up being her best friends for life, her running partners if you will. At the end of her career, she loved working home health. She loved being a geriatric nurse. Her calling to care for others extended beyond her profession and into every corner of her life. Dortha’s memory is lovingly preserved in the gentle stories of those who knew her well. She was known to love everybody, always extending warmth and tenderness with a generous heart. Her pastimes included fishing, horseback riding, and, most cherished of all, spending precious time with her family. These moments brimmed with joy and encapsulated the essence of her loving memory. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Ronald Rife Sr.; her son, Steven Morris; and her daughters, LeeAnne Brown (Mark) and Joni Hargroder (Rusty). Dortha’s legacy lives on through her numerous grandchildren---Ashley, Steven, Keith, Jessica, Kori, Jordan, Kennedy, Cameron, Kendall, Taylor, Carter, Reagan---and her seventeen great-grandchildren, who brought immeasurable joy to her life. She is also survived by her loving sister, Charlsie Kirk.

Dortha was proceeded in death by her parents J.C. and Leona Campbell; her daughter, Debra Fontenot; and her siblings Lucille, Ray, Van, Tommie and Gary. A visitation to honor Dortha’s life will be held at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home – Groves, located at 5601 39th Street, Groves, Texas, 77619, on May 8, 2026, from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. This will be followed by a funeral service at the same location beginning at 2:00 pm then a graveside service to be held at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches, Texas.

Dortha will be remembered as a woman of steadfast faith, immense compassion, and unwavering dedication to her faith, family and vocation. Her legacy is one of love, service, and devotion—the true hallmarks of a life well lived. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who were blessed to know her.