Ernest J. Riffle

Ernest J. Riffle, Jr., 69, of Wellston, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at his home. He was born September 28, 1954, in Jackson County, Ohio, son of the late Ernest J. Sr. and Ruby (Shifflet) Riffle. Ernest spent most of his life working in the lumber and timber industry. He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing and hunting, watching Westerns, and listening to old country music; but most of all he loved his family.

He is survived by his wife, Joan (Kneipp) Riffle; children, Donnie (Melanie ) Stewart, Rachel Riffle, Amy (Bill) France, Ruby (Bobby) Long, Amanda (Brian) Lawson, and Maegan (John) Vittitoe; 20 grandchildren, Jessica McEowen, Alyssa Maguire, Katie Sims, Aaron Faught, Landen Faught, Haley Povemba, Takoda Ritchie, Gianna Messick, Damian Long, Clayton Long, Zach Long, Luke Long, Chassity Wright, Schyler Wright, Dominic Lawson, Cayden Vittitoe, Emily Vittitoe, Misty Vittitoe, and John Vittitoe; nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Judy Jayjohn Watters; as well as nieces and nephews, Ernest Jayjohn, Kimmie Jayjohn, and Donnie Watters.

In addition to his parents, Ernest was preceded in death by a sister, Ernestine Rife; a nephew, Leon Jayjohn; and great-nephews, Levi Pierce and Ethan Jayjohn.

The family will receive friends in the chapel of R.M. Williams Funeral Service, 120 W. Broadway St., Wellston, on Thursday, March 7, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. A brief service will follow. In keeping with Ernest’s wishes his body will then be cremated.

Please visit www.rmwilliamsfuneralservice.com to leave a message of comfort, encouragement, or condolence to the family.

R.M. Williams Funeral Service, Wellston, is honored to care for and serve the Riffle Family during this most difficult time.