Alva Edward Riffee, 97, of Charleston, was called to Heaven on Wednesday, June 18, at Hubbard House following a brief illness. He was surrounded by close family and loved ones.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 74 years, Beulah Casto Riffee.

Alva was a kind, generous and selfless man who always treated others as he would have wanted to be treated. His faith in God, love of family, strong work ethic and dedication to service in his church were the cornerstones on which he built his life.

He was born Sunday, Sept. 1, 1916 on Jim Ridge in Putnam County. He was a 1934 graduate of the Wahama High School White Falcons. He moved to the Tyler Mountain area in the early 1940s, where he remained for the rest of his life.

After short stents working in the dairy business and at Union Carbide, he became a self-employed brick mason, a career in which he thrived until he retired in his early 70s.

Alva was a loyal and dedicated member of McKinnon Memorial Presbyterian Church on Tyler Mountain for over 60 years where he served in multiple capacities as an Elder, Choir Director and Superintendent of the Sunday school.

His hobbies included his daily Bible readings, raising a plentiful garden, singing in various choirs and watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy on a nightly basis. He was active in choirs that visited various senior centers and nursing homes throughout his retirement. He also enjoyed spending time with his family whenever he could.

Alva is survived by his daughters Carolyn Riffee and Dolores (Harold) Wilkes and son Wayne (Aurora) Riffee.

Alva also loved his six grandchildren: Cheryl (Ronnie) Evans, Karen (Chad) Barrier, Michael Riffee, Michelle Rabieh, Drs. Sarah (Brian) Price, and Christopher Marshall.

He also cherished his nine great grandchildren: Ryan Evans, Chase Evans, Kayleigh Tyler, Zachary Tyler, Sean Barrier, Nour Rabieh, Jackson Price, Ashlyn Price and Ainsley Price.

Alva's legacy is that of a truly good and honest man whose strong work ethic, dedication to God and loved ones and service to community set the family standard for how to lead a meaningful and virtuous life. Those traits will live on in all those that were fortunate enough to know him, to love him and to learn from him.

Funeral service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, June 21, at McKinnon Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Doug Minnerly officiating. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.

Friends may call beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to McKinnon Memorial Presbyterian Church, 4278 Washington Street, W., Charleston, WV 25313.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.