Beatrice B. Pifer, 95, passed away in the early evening of Sept. 4, 2013, at the Laurels of Shane Hill.

She was born April 13, 1918, in Rockford, to LeRoy and Bertha Leininger Pifer.

Surviving are four sisters, Maxine Pifer and Glenda Pifer of St. Marys, Verna (A. Eugene) Behm of Celina and Twyla (Dr. A.B.) Dudley of Columbus, Ga. She was a devoted aunt and loved to read to her five nieces and nephews, Donna (Carl) Pond and Debra (James) Gibson of Rockford, Dana (Gary) Linn of Celina, James (Carmen) Dudley and Elizabeth (Mark) Graham of Columbus, Ga. Also surviving are 20 great-nieces and great-nephews.

She is preceded in death by two sisters, Ruby and Donna Pifer, and one brother, Gerald LeRoy Pifer.

She was a homemaker and life-long member of the Chattanooga United Methodist Church, where she was a children's Sunday School teacher. She was a 75-year member of the Grange. She also was greatly involved with the 4-H program as a leader. The fair week was always a special time. She had great pride in helping scores of 4-H members and the Grange set up displays. She expressed her love for children through many other selfless acts of kindness, always having a sweet smile and warm cookies on hand. She was always known as everyone's Aunt Bea. She was a steward of the land, having helped on the family seed farm, and she enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening.

Funeral services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, the Rev. Tom Brunstrup officiating.

Calling is one hour before the service Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.

Memorials may be given to the Chattanooga United Methodist Church or the State of the Heart Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com.