After courageously battling ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), Lynda Frehner Riffle passed away November 1, 2013. ALS may have taken her life, but it never changed her spirit. Lynda lived every moment with passion, dignity and grace. She made you feel important--whether having a life-long friendship or a brief encounter. Her tenacity and wit coupled with radiant beauty endeared her to all.
Lynda was born in 1947 in Cedar City, Utah to Orlin Frehner and Lucille DeMille. Lynda was the eternal optimist. Even in the face of polio, there was no complaint. At a young age she was an avid reader, good student, and artistic. Throughout her life she faced challenges head on always working hard and dared to take risks. She did not know the meaning of the word can’t. Instead, she believed in the impossible and her warmth was contagious.
Lynda married her husband of 45 years, Austin Neal Riffle in 1968 and his Forest Service career took their adventures to Idaho, Montana and Utah.
Lynda graduated with a degree in accounting from Southern Utah University and earned a Masters of Financial Services from The American College at Bryn Mawr Pennsylvania. She worked over 30 years as a CPA. A Vice President in the Trust Department at Bank One, Lynda was well respected. She enjoyed working and traveling as a Regional Vice President with Arbonne International. One of her greatest gifts was helping, serving and educating others. Lynda served on the Board of Directors of Wasatch Peaks Credit Union in Ogden, Utah; served as Chairwoman of the Board of the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce; served 2 years as President of Soroptimist International of the Kachinas; served for 2 years as District 4 Director for the Golden West Region of Soroptimist and served on the Board of APECA.
She was a woman of great faith who emulated the love, generosity and patience of Christ. She considered everything and everyone around her a blessing. We already miss Lynda’s bright light shining through her beautiful smile. The only pain she ever caused was saying goodbye.
Lynda is survived by her husband Neal, who lovingly cared for her, three children she considered her best friends Steve Riffle (Kim) of Goodyear, AZ; Scott (Missy) Riffle of Centerville, UT; Leah (Brian) Slade of Austin , TX; her brother Jeff Frehner of Sun City , AZ, eight grandchildren, her stepmother Wanda Frehner and two half-brothers Brad and Brett Frehner. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, stepfather Mark Johannesen and sister Cheree Paddock.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 9, at 10 am at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church 918 S Litchfield Rd. Goodyear, AZ. Friends may call Friday Nov. 8, 2013 from 5 to 8 pm or Sat. from 9 am. An additional visitation will be Monday, Nov. 11, 2013 from 6-8 pm at Spilsbury Mortuary 110 S. Bluff St., St George, UT. Graveside service and burial at the Historic Pioneer Cemetery, Virgin, Utah on Tuesday, November 12, 2013.
Family suggests donations be made to ALS Association of Arizona 4643 E Thomas Rd Suite 1, Phoenix, AZ 85018 or Hospice of the Valley 1510 E Flower St, Phoenix, AZ 85014.
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