Sylvester Rief

Sylvester (Cy) Francis Rief Cy Rief passed away peacefully March 1, 2023 at Good Samaritan Health Care Center. He was a kind, witty and gentle man, well loved by his family and friends. He made an impact on many throughout his 88 years. He was born on October 25, 1934 in Indiana to Joseph and Lucille Rief. Cy spent his early years in Indiana, Oklahoma, Kennewick and eventually Spokane. After studying to be a Jesuit priest, he decided to become a teacher. He taught at many schools throughout his career and never found a place he didn’t like. He enjoyed his colleagues and students. He taught everything from Latin, Math, French, Stagecraft and Drama, to the Humanities, Religion and English. It would be hard to tell what he enjoyed most…high school students who later became great family friends or the elementary students who allowed him to continue loving his job until he retired. He loved teaching at Davis High School and enjoyed many back yard keggers with the staff. He enjoyed the adventure of teaching at Franklin Middle School and the experience of learning French. He adored teaching at Adams Elementary and the friendships that continued well into retirement. His family was his greatest love and he could not wait to join his wife, Rosemary, in heaven. Wherever Rosemary went, Cy was there, too. He loved to visit with people, share his unapologetic opinions and laugh with enthusiasm. Undoubtedly, Grandpa Cy was his favorite title and his most important calling. Cy and Rosemary loved unconditionally and their grandchildren were the beneficiaries of fabulous sleepovers, morning cinnamon rolls, hours of being read to and affection that was entirely contagious. He will be remembered for his cardigan sweaters as well as his little red volkswagon bug and his love of the Cincinnati Reds. Cy is survived by his four children, Jennifer (Jeff ) Monteleone, Joe Rief, Anna (Jerry) Rief, Rachel (Tyler) Suhm. He is also survived by his sister, Ann Kunz and brother Carl (Mary Lou) Rief. His grandchildren include Frey, Lynze, Anthony, Dominic, Jade, Erica, Katie, Ellie and Lucas. Cy has one great-grandchild, Indigo. Cy has an enormous number of beloved nieces and nephews. He loved his family well. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lucille Rief as well as his wife, Rosemary. Our family will always be grateful for the beautiful and compassionate staff at Blossom Place, dad’s home for the last few years. He loved the wonderful people who cared for him as though he was their own family. We are thankful for the staff at Good Samaritan, Memorial Hospital and Heartlinks Hospice. The tender care you provided in his final days was so kind and gentle. Visitation has been scheduled for Friday, March 10 from 1:00-4:00 at Valley Hills Funeral Home Yakima Chapel (2600 Business Lane, Yakima, WA 98901). Vigil Services will take place Friday, March 10 at St. Paul Cathedral Cathedral at 5:30 (15 South 12th Ave. Yakima, WA 98902). Mass of Christian Burial will take place Saturday, the 11th of March at 10:00 am at St. Paul Cathedral with a reception following immediately after the service. Cy’s final resting place will be Calvary Cemetery in Yakima. Please visit www.ValleyHillsfh.com to share a memory or condolence with the family. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Jesuit Volunteer Corp. Northwest or St. Paul Cathedral in Cy’s name. Consummatum est. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Sylvester Rief, please visit our flower store.