Judith Rifenberg

Tribute

Judy Rifenberg was a devoted, beloved, and faithful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her faith in Jesus was not simply a part of her life—it was the very foundation of it. She cherished and nurtured her family and friends, knowing she was held by a faithful God who would one day call her home. That certainty gave her strength through every season and peace in her final days. She spent almost 61 years married to her loving husband, James Rifenberg. He survives her, as do the families of their children, Ray and Rebecca, whom she loved and raised with a fierce and tender loyalty. Judy saw marriage, motherhood, and grandmotherhood not as duties but as her highest calling. She was their constant servant: rising early for them, staying up late to listen, cooking, cleaning, encouraging, correcting, forgiving without keeping score, and praying ceaselessly for them. Her kitchen table was a place of safety and laughter; her lap was a refuge; her words were full of grace and truth. To her husband, she was his partner and best friend. To her children and grandchildren, she was simply “Mom” and “Grandma” — with the steady, sacrificial heart of a Christian homemaker, she never missed a chance to spend time with and pour love over her four children, six grandchildren, their five spouses and partners, and two great-grandchildren, with another one on the way. In addition to her rich family legacy, she passed on her deep love and care for animals, specifically the beautiful alpacas and other farm animals she and Jim personally raised on their 20-acre farm in Scotts, Michigan. Also, her deep compassion for hurting people was evident to all who knew her, but especially those in a ministry called Celebrate Recovery, where Judy mentored women who have experienced trauma, loss, and/or addiction. Judy was a steadfast friend and encourager to countless many... impacting the lives of neighbors, colleagues in Mary Kay Cosmetics, couple friends, church family members, extended family, and even dear friends of her children and grandchildren. Two of her favorite refrains were “I love you back” and “Jesus loves you and so do I.” “She has fought the good fight, she has finished the race, she has kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) Well done, good and faithful servant. You are now fully restored. Your days of pain and suffering are gone, and you will know nothing but abundant joy and love for the rest of eternity, and we will join you there someday.

Friends & Family