Mary Kaserman was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, May 9th 1829. She married John Rife in Ohio in 1848. She was left a widow December 13, 1891. She died June 29, 1904, aged 75 years, 1 month and 20 days.
Mrs. Rife came to Ohio when 12 years of age. After marriage she moved to Indiana, and returned to Ohio in 1864 and came to Linn county in 1865. Here at the homestead she lived twenty-five years. After the death of her husband she moved into Shellsburg and lived there until her decease.
She was a great sufferer for many years not knowing a well day, but she was supported by God, in whom she trusted for over 59 years, having at the age of sixteen united with the German Reformed church. Mrs. Rife was conversant with bible and was a very spiritual woman. She was devoted to her large family, ten of the first, thirty-three of the second, and twenty of the third generation.
The funeral services were held at her late residence under the charge of Rev. Edwin Chas. Haskell, assisted by Rev. J. W. Thompson, on July 1st. The remains were laid at rest at Strawn cemetery.
