Glenda L. Pifer, 93, St. Marys, passed away at 6:25 p.m. May, 20, 2014, at Otterbein Senior Lifestyles Community.

She was born Aug. 5, 1920, in Chattanooga, to LeRoy and Bertha (Leininger) Pifer.

Surviving are three sisters, Marjorie Maxine Pifer, St. Marys, Verna (Eugene) Behm, Celina, and Twyla (Dr. A.B.) Dudley, Columbus, Ga.; nieces and nephews, Donna (Carl) Pond, Rockford, Debra (James) Gibson, Rockford, Dana (Gary) Linn, Celina, James (Carmen) Dudley, Columbus, Ga., and Elizabeth (Mark) Graham, Columbus, Ga.; and 25 great- and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Deceased are a brother, Gerald LeRoy Pifer, and three sisters, Beatrice Pifer, Ruby Pifer and Donna Pifer.

She graduated from Willshire High School and earned degrees from Purdue and Ohio State universities. She began her career as a high school home economics teacher and then moved to a county extension Home Economics position. From Ohio, she moved to Illinois as a state specialist in housing and household equipment. She served on the federal extension staff where she gave national leadership to housing, furnishings and household equipment programs. After 19 years in Washington D.C., she moved back to Celina and then the St. Marys area. She had received many national awards from the many organizations to which she belonged, as well as a White House citation for her work in energy. She was the author of numerous government publications and articles in her field.

She was a member of the Chattanooga United Methodist Church and belonged to the United Methodist Women group. She also joined the Chattanooga Red Hats Club.

Services are 3 p.m. Friday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.

Calling is one hour prior to services on Friday.

Memorials may be directed to the Chattanooga United Methodist Church, State of the Heart Hospice or the Mercer County Cancer Association.

Condolences may be expressed at www.ketchamripley.com.