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Cynthia M. Rifner

October 14, 1951 - February 18, 2026
Visitation
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, West Lafayette Chapel
1184 Sagamore Pkwy W.
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Tuesday 2/24, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Memorial contributions in Cindy’s name may be given to the Otterbein Public Library, P.O. Box 550, 23 1st St, Otterbein, IN 47970.

Cynthia M. Rifner, 74, of West Lafayette, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at IU University Hospital in Indianapolis. She died after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
She was born October 14, 1951, in New Castle, to the late Alden and Keturah (DeLong) Chambers. She was a 1970 graduate of Blue River Valley High School and continued her education at Purdue University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree. On October 19, 1974, she married her best friend and love of her life, Thomas H. Rifner in Springport, IN.
Cindy enjoyed the service industry and held several jobs throughout her lifetime. Her true passion was her career in food service at Purdue University from 1974 – 1981 and then again as Food Service Supervisor from 2005 until her retirement in 2019. In between her terms at Purdue, she served as a Board Member for the Otterbein Public Library. She worked for the library from 1994-2004, as a library assistant and then as Director. In this time, she oversaw the construction of the new library that we know and love today.
Cindy was a selfless individual. She loved taking care of those around her by making sure they had a warm meal and help when they needed it. Cindy enjoyed reading, traveling and bird watching. Growing up a “farm girl”, she also loved vegetable and flower gardening.
Along with her husband, Thomas H. Rifner of West Lafayette, she is survived by 3 daughters, Stacy (Joshua) Mulford of Springport, IN, Julie (Christopher) Landers of Hammond, and Kristin (Tyler) Taylor of West Lafayette; 2 sisters, Alice (Phil) Foster of Huntington, IN and Becky Parks of Springport, IN. Also surviving are 6 grandchildren, Ethan and Katie Mulford, Patrick and Evie Landers, and Gibson and Nora Taylor.
Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, Alden and Keturah (DeLong) Chambers; brother-in-law, Tony Parks, and her fur baby, Jasmine the Cat.
Memorial contributions in Cindy’s name may be given to the Otterbein Public Library, P.O. Box 550, 23 1st St, Otterbein, IN 47970.
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Tuesday February 24, 2026, at Soller-Baker, West Lafayette Chapel, 1184 Sagamore Parkway West, West Lafayette, IN 47906. The family requests casual attire.
Share memories and leave condolences at www.soller-baker.com

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Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.
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Richard Lofland
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Joyce and Dale French
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Pam Rifner Light a candle
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Visitation
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, West Lafayette Chapel
1184 Sagamore Pkwy W.
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Map
Tuesday 2/24, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Memorial contributions in Cindy’s name may be given to the Otterbein Public Library, P.O. Box 550, 23 1st St, Otterbein, IN 47970.

Cynthia M. Rifner, 74, of West Lafayette, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at IU University Hospital in Indianapolis. She died after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. She was born October 14, 1951, in New Castle, to the late Alden and Keturah (DeLong) Chambers. She was a 1970 graduate of Blue RiverContinue Reading

See Condolences
Richard Lofland left a message on February 26, 2026:
I knew Cindy when she worked at Purdue, she was a sweetheart. She came to my dad's visitation 19 years ago; it meant a lot to me. RIP Cindy
Sarah Johnson left a message on February 25, 2026:
Dear Tom and Family, I was not able to attend the visitation last night but please know that I am thinking of you and praying for your peace and comfort during these days. I was so shocked and saddened to learn of Cindy's passing. We had lunch together at the Univ Residences Christmas luncheon and had a nice visit. I am so glad for that. It was a pleasure to work with Cindy for several years and I will always remember her that way.
Stu hochfelder left a message on February 23, 2026:
May she rest in peace 🙏 bev/I will pray for her and her family stu/bev friends of Josh
Nikki Benner left a message on February 20, 2026:
Tom and family... so sorry to hear of Cindy's passing. Such a sweet lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathy Summerfield left a message on February 20, 2026:
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family. I worked with Cindy at Purdue. She was a real sweetheart. We had a lot of fun times. She will truly be missed. May God, through prayers give you peace, comfort, and strength to go through this difficult time. RIP
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Dale W French left a message on February 20, 2026:
A great class mate.One of my fondness memories was as kids we would help her family bale hay.One day Cindy was driving the tractor and was disgusted with one of the helpers.Cindy stopped the tractor got on the wagon and demonstrated how to properly load the hay for the long ride back to the farm.Cindy will be missed by all Dale
Joyce and Dale French left a message on February 20, 2026:
I remember in Latin class Mrs. Shively called us TWIN TWISTERS !
Pam Rifner left a message on February 19, 2026:
In memory of Cynthia M. Rifner, Pam Rifner lit a candle
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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