Benjamin Michael Riffle

Benjamin Michael “Mike” Riffle, 66, passed away peacefully in the Emergency Room at Monongalia General Hospital, Morgantown, WV, on the evening of Wednesday, January 21st, 2026. Mike, the son of Denzil Rex Rifle and Verna Irene (Speicher) Riffle, was born in Morgantown, West Virginia, on June 14, 1959. Mike lived in Morgantown most of his life. Most recently, he resided on Canfield Street, Morgantown, WV. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rex and Irene Riffle; his paternal grandparents, John Elam Riffle and Mary Clark Riffle; and his maternal grandparents, John Mahlon Speicher and Camilla B. (Keller) Speicher, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Surviving him were his only sister, Mary Camilla Riffle Schubert, formerly Mary C. Null of Parkersburg, WV, and her husband Karel R. Schubert of Morgantown, WV. In addition, Mike was survived by his loving partner of many years, Rita Winters.

Mike was active in the Civil War Round Table, various historical groups, the National Rifle Association, Monongalia Wireless Association, Raspberry Pie Ham Radio, and the Australian Short-Wave Radio Journal. Mike enjoyed the outdoors, including annual camping and fishing trips with Rita at Babcock State Park, as well as attending the West Virginia State Fair. He also enjoyed going to Civil War Battlefields and Parks with Rita. They often participated in various capacities in Civil War Reenactments.

Mike was described by his friends as a jokester. He was humorous and enjoyed playing games. He liked WVU Sports and was always a Mountaineer Fan. He loved the Three Stooges. Favorite music included the Beatles. Mike loved his many gerbils (Otis I, II, III, and IV).

Mike attended Morgantown High School and graduated in the Class of 1977. He was employed by Montgomery Ward, NAPA Auto Parts, Fischer Auto Parts, and, most recently, AutoZone in Sabraton, WV.

Graveside services for family and friends will be Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Forks of Cheat Baptist Cemetery, located on the Stewartstown Road in Morgantown, WV, with Rev. Junius Lewis officiating. Dering-Henson Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. The Family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The American Kidney Foundation. 

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