Yvonne Rife, 85, succumbed to the coronavirus on October 10, 2020 after a rapid decline.  "God saw that she was suffering and a cure was not to be.  So he put his arms around her and whispered, 'Come with Me.' With tear-filled eyes, we watched her quickly fade away.  Although we loved her dearly, we could not make her stay.  A stalwart heart stopped beating; caring hands came to rest.  God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the Best."

Yvonne was the first-born child of Dante and Charlotte Pistone.  She had two brothers and a sister, Ron/Butch (1937), Chris (1943) and Dante (1950).  They were a close family who loved life and growing up in the schools of Yerington.  In 1958, she married Leonard Rife of Yerington.

Yvonne and Len had a special relationship with Dante.  Yvonne adopted his competitive spirit and took charge of events all throughout her life.  Len was fascinated with Dante's building skills and worked with him for more than 30 years.  It started in 1962, when they built Len's Dental Office – two patient chairs/rooms, office, storage and bathroom.  He practiced his entire career in that office.  Later, Dante and Len designed and built the Rife home together at the Mason Valley Golf Course.  Len and Yvonne lived there for more than 30 years.

Charlotte was the sweetheart who held the family together.  She taught Yvonne about a Mom's tender care and how to nourish (the Italian way) and love herself and her children. Yvonne spent most holidays enjoying Charlotte's meals and loving the family.  In Charlotte's later years when her health declined, Yvonne and Chris were her amazing caregivers.

Yvonne was popular in school and was committed to being successful.  She set two goals for her life.  First was to be a devoted and loving wife.  She aimed high when she married Len.  Side-by-side they worked to get Len his Dentistry degree, establish his business in Yerington, and serve the community for 42 years.  She was his soul mate and caring supporter.  She gave him her love, nourishment, two children and a home to be proud of.  Len took good care of her and they achieved much success.  She was a very large part of the "Distinguished Graduate" award Len received from Yerington High School in May 1997.

Her second goal was to be a good Mother.  Her children, Darrel and Jeff, will vouch for that fact. Her boys realize that what they learned in school and as successful businessmen will never measure up to the propriety and common sense Yvonne and Len taught them.  She was a strong force and the most thoughtful and dearest person, not only in their lives, but many others.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her husband, Len (2003).  She is survived by her brothers, Ron (Butch) Pistone of Los Alamos, NM and Dante Pistone of Salinas, CA; her sister, Chris Rogers of Yerington; her son, Darrel (wife Debbie), grandchildren, David (Kiley and great granddaughter, Addison) and DeAnn (Rob); son, Jeff (wife Debbie), grandchildren Ryan (Dani and great grandchildren, Everly and Weston) and Ashley.

Yvonne's family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Mason Valley Residence and the health care professionals who treated her with respect, kindness and gentleness.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Family and friends are invited to sign her online guest book at www.FRFH.net .  In lieu of Flowers the family suggest that donations be made in her name to the Yerington Rotary Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1502 Yerington, NV 89447

Yvonne's family knows that God will embrace her and reunite her with her beloved Len. They send her this message:

"Remember that you warmed our hearts more often than you know.

Your thoughtfulness and kindness meant more than words could show.

Please know we'll always treasure every joy we shared together.

We trust in you, believe in you and love you; and we will forever."

Arrangements and cremation is under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, 25 Hwy 208 Yerington, NV 89447 (775) 463-2911