Walking On:  Steven Edward Rife Sr.

Steven Edward Rife Sr.
July 10, 1950 – July 6, 2026

Steven Edward Rife, beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, hunter, Tribal member and friend, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026, just four days before his 76th birthday.

Born on July 10, 1950, to William and Beatrice Rife, Steve was raised in the forests and valleys of northwest Oregon, where he developed a lifelong love for the outdoors. Whether hunting elk in the Coast Range, casting a line into a favorite fishing hole or simply enjoying God’s creation, he found peace in the woods he knew so well.

Steve proudly answered the call to serve his country, completing two tours in Vietnam while serving in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps. During his military service, he was wounded in combat and was awarded the Purple Heart, a testament to his courage, sacrifice and devotion to his fellow service members and his nation.

His life of service did not end when he returned home. Steve dedicated himself to helping others as a firefighter and emergency medical technician, always willing to answer the call when someone was in need. Those who knew him remember a man who could always be counted on—a dependable friend with a generous spirit and a heart of gold.

Steve was deeply devoted to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, of which he was a proud member. He served on the Tribal Cultural Committee and was a co-founder of the Native American Veterans Association, helping ensure that Native veterans received the honor and recognition they deserved. One of his greatest joys was volunteering for the annual Elders Hunt, harvesting elk to provide traditional food for Tribal Elders, combining his love of hunting with his desire to care for others.

On May 13, 2026, Steve married Virginia Ann Privatsky. Together, they made their home in Grand Ronde, enjoying the simple pleasures of the community they cherished. They lived and loved a lifetime in their short time together.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, William and Beatrice Rife; former wife, Margie Rife; daughter, Linda; and his siblings, Marcia, Robert, Mike, Ruby and Debbie.

He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia Ann Rife; children, Steven Rife Jr., Christina and Brandy; eleven cherished grandchildren; siblings, Ron and Pearl; along with many extended family members, fellow veterans, Tribal members and countless friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness, generosity and unwavering loyalty.

Steve will be remembered as a man who loved deeply, served faithfully, worked tirelessly and gave freely of himself. Whether wearing the uniform of his country, responding to an emergency, mentoring fellow veterans or quietly helping someone in need, he lived a life defined by honor, compassion and service.

His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the community he strengthened and the many lives he touched.

Funeral services were held Friday, July 10, at the Grand Ronde Tribal gym. Following the service, a committal service with full military honors was held at the Grand Ronde Tribal Cemetery.

May Steve’s memory continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.