1940-2026
Carmel Ann (Rife) Elliott, 85, of Bellefontaine, passed away Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Paramount Senior Living at Polaris.
Carmel was born on December 4, 1940, in Jackson County, OH, to the late Charles Benjamin and Clara Stella (Spangler) Rife. On December 31, 1959, in Mt. Victory, OH, she married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, John M. Elliott, who preceded her in death in 2025.
Carmel found great joy in quilting and was a longtime member of a Bellefontaine quilting group. Through the group, she lovingly created many quilts for charitable causes.
She also enjoyed watching birds and the deer that visited her backyard, and caring for her plants.
A gifted cook, Carmel took pleasure in preparing meals for family and friends. Her kind and caring nature was evident in the way she so often put others before herself, while her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor brought warmth to those around her.
A devoted Cincinnati Reds fan, she loved watching their games. She and her husband, John, also cherished their many trips to the Smoky Mountains to admire the fall colors.
Above all, Carmel treasured her family and friends and will be lovingly remembered as a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.
She is survived by her son, Christopher Elliott; daughter, Tamara & Michael Irwin; brothers, Charles Rife, George Rife and Jim Rife; sister Mary Lu; many loving friends, nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by sister, Patricia Berry, and many other beloved family members.
A Celebration of Life will take place Friday, November 13, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Jennings Farley & Seeley Funeral Home, 5591 US Hwy 68 S., West Liberty, OH 43357.
Online Condolences may be expressed at https://www.jenningsfarley.com/
