KAREN “KAY” WOOD RIFE, 75, of Bristol, TN, passed through Heaven’s Gates on Friday, July 12, 2013. Born October 18, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Kelly and Halcia Wood. After graduating from Castlewood High School in 1954, she received her bachelor’s degree from Radford College in 1957, and her master’s degree from ETSU in 1963. Subsequently Kay taught at Castlewood High School, Patrick Henry High School, and King College before taking a job teaching physical education at ETSU.

Left behind to cherish the wonderful memories of her are her husband of 53 years J.B. Rife, and her three daughters and their  families. Missy Emory, her husband John and their daughters Jenny and Molly Kate of Lenoir City, TN; Angie Boyer and her son Grayson of Gray, TN; Tracy Rife-King and her daughter Sophie, and sons J.B. and Tucker of Kingston, TN. Four sisters Phyllis White, Jeri Kennedy, Jolene “Jodi” White and her husband James, and Pauletta Wood.

She was preceded in death by her brother Wayne Wood, Sister Linda Meade, son-in-law Vincent Boyer, and three grandchildren Katie Melissa Emory, Hope King and Faith King.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Alfred Harkleroad for his indescribable compassion and care.

Sometimes angels come in the form of best friends and Nadine Johnson’s friendship and love to Kay was a blessing from God.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. at the Grundy Funeral Home, 22208 Riverside Drive, Grundy, VA. The family will also receive friends from 12 to 2 P.M.Wednesday with a memorial service following at Tri-Cities Funeral Home and Memory Gardens in Blountville,, TN with Pastor Chad Johnson officiating. Entombment will be at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum.

Honorary pallbearers will be Grayson Boyer, J.B. King, Tucker King, Chuck Hutton, Kevin White, Trey White, Mark Mutter, L.C. Mutter, Wayne Mutter, and Jeremy Johnson.

Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make contributions to Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steeles  Road, Bristol, TN 37620 or Fellowship Baptist Church, PO Box 216, Meadowview, VA 24361.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.grundyfuneralhome.com

Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy, Virginia is in charge of all arrangements.