Elsie Riffel

On Sunday, May 22nd Elsie Rosetta Mae Brouhard Riffel, loving mother and grandmother passed away from natural causes at the age of 93. Elsie was born on April 9, 1929 in Barnard, KS to Viola and Walter Brouhard, the fifth of nine children.

Her family moved to Hope, KS when she was very young and she lived there until she married Edgar Riffel of Ramona, KS in 1948 at 19 years old. She graduated from Hope High School in 1947. In 1950 their first child, Rodney, was born in Salina, where they lived and worked. Valerie was also born in Salina. Shortly after, they moved to Mission, KS where they had two more sons, Lance and Kevin.

Elsie was a great cook. She loved decorating cakes for birthdays, and especially balloons. She had many artistic talents including quilting and sewing. She was also active in her church helping with meals, especially for funerals of church members.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Edgar Riffel; three sisters, Ora Beckel, Josephine Riffel, Clara McCoonse; and one brother, Raymond Brouhard.

Surviving members of family are: children, Rodney Riffel (Mary) of Rose Hill, Valerie Smith (Phil) of Kansas City, Lance Riffel of Wichita, and Kevin (Andy) Riffel of Wichita; two sisters, Carol Troop, Betty Frobenius; two brothers, Jerry and Clayton Brouhard; 12 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 10:00 am Friday, May 27, 2022 at Smith Mortuary, 1415 N Rock Rd, Derby. Graveside service to follow at 3:00 pm at Lewis Cemetery, Ramona.

Memorials have been established with Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 802 E Trapp St, Herington, KS 67449 or Good Shepherd Hospice, 7829 E Rockhill St #403, Wichita, KS 67206.