RIFFLE, E. Gordon (Gordy)

The Verde Independent, Cottonwood, AZ November 04, 2005 E. Gordon "Gordy" Riffle died Oct. 31, 2005, after a brief fight with complications from surgery. He was born Feb. 22, 1926, in Chicago. He was married to the love of his life, Arlene Wessman, on March 18, 1947, in the Evangelical Free Church of Sioux City, Iowa. Gordy and Arlene had four children: Rob (Sharon), of Flagstaff, Merilee (Paul) Bales, of Perry, Iowa, Jay (Rose), of Hackensack, Minn., Melody (David) Klingensmith, of Langley, B.C., Canada. Gordon was a store manager for Tollers drug Company in Sioux City, a salesman for Bankers Life of Des Moines, a pastor of his home church First Evangelical Free Church for over 16 years and a tour guide with Goodwill Industries. In 1997, Gordon and Arlene retired to Camp Verde, where he continued to perach the gospel at he Verde River Resort and on an interim basis with other churches in the area. After Sept. 11, 2001, Gordon became a VIP deputy for the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office until declining health forced his retirement. Gordy was preceded in death by his parents, Joye and Edward Riffle and his sister Joyanne Gerking. In addition to his wife Arlene and four children, he leaves behind 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Gordy will always be remembered for his booming laugh, his great zest for life, his sense of humor and his love of God - an incongruous mix for some but not for him. The funeral is under the direction of Hepler Funeral Home in Camp Verde, and graveside services under the direction of Christy-Smith Funeral Home in Sioux City, Iowa. Services were at the Verde River Resort Clubhouse (Gordy's church) on Nov. 3. Graveside services will be at the McCook Cemetery, North Sioux City, S.D., on Nov. 8 at 1 p.m., with a viewing from 11 a.m. to noon at Christy-Smith Funeral Home.