George Rives

Funeral Services for George Rives, 83-year-old lifetime Buffalo resident who passed away Tuesday morning at the Amie Holt Care Center in Buffalo will be held Monday, February 10^th at 10:00 a.m. at the Harness Funeral Home in Buffalo with Pastor John Constantine officiating.  Visitation will be at the funeral home on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.  Interment will be in Willow Grove Cemetery with graveside services to follow the funeral.  Donations in George’s memory may be made to the St. Jude’s Cancer Research Center in care of the Harness Funeral Home at 351 N. Adams in Buffalo. Online condolences may be made at www.harnessfuneralhome.com

George Albert Rives was born on November 25, 1936, in Buffalo, Wyoming to George and Rachel Rives. George’s family lived on the Camino Place on Sand Creek, northwest of Buffalo and later moved to the Whaley Place where he and two sisters rode one horse to the Upper Johnson Creek School. The one riding in the back would fall off sometimes as they crossed the ditch.  George graduated from Johnson County High School in 1955 where he played football and basketball.  While in high school he worked at the Standard Service Station, Nielson’s Furniture Store, and Jolley’s food Store. He also attended many country dances as a young man.  He was married on May 20, 1956, to Verna Rinker and they made their home in Buffalo. In the summer of 1956, he went to work at Buffalo Meat Processing. He worked for Bob Spellman at the Buffalo Grocery for one year.  He went back to work at Buffalo Meat where he became the manager and worked until it sold in 1985.  He then took a job with Big Horn Meat where he worked until ill health forced him to retire in 2013.  He continued living in Buffalo until his death.

George enjoyed spending time in the Big Horns camping, hunting, and fishing.  He loved traveling and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Verna Rives; one son Randy Rives and his wife Debbie of Gillette; one daughter Debby Vandel of Buffalo; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and one infant son.