Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Dee Ann Pifer, of Bourbon, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in the care of Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City, at the age of 85. Dee was surrounded by her family’s love when she left this world and will be dearly missed by her family and many loved ones she leaves behind.
Born on March 1, 1941, in Kendallville, Dee was one of five children born to Charles and Eleanor Hunter Price. She grew up in Howe and was a 1959 graduate of Lima High School. On Feb. 22, 1964, Dee married the love of her life, Paul “Joe” Joseph Pifer Jr. Together, they were blessed with 38 beautiful years of marriage before Paul’s passing on May 5, 2002.
Dee and Joe eventually made their home in Syracuse, where they became well-known fixtures in the community. For many years, they owned and operated The Top of the Inn and Papa Joe’s Restaurant in Warsaw. They enjoyed attending events together, actively participating and making lasting memories with friends at the Syracuse VFW and the North Webster American Legion.
An avid sports fan, Dee loved cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Notre Dame football. Her favorite days, however, were spent on the water, boating on Lake Wawasee and gathering with family at the sandbar. Above all, Dee was known for her deep compassion for animals. A proud and devoted "Cat Lady" to the very end, she adored her feline companions and cherished anything cat-related.
A lifetime of her unconditional love and the cherished memories Dee leaves behind will be forever remembered by her daughter, Lori (Kevin McGuire) Pifer, of Bourbon; granddaughter, Ashley (Patrick) Lattal, of Sheridan, Ind.; brother, Gary (Sharon) Price, of Syracuse; and her sister, Sandi Lung, Pierceton. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joe; brother, Larry Price; sister, Gloria Edwards; and her brother-in-law, George Lung.
Dee’s life will be celebrated with a service at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18 at Redpath-Fruth-Byers Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, and officiated by Envoy Ken Locke. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw. Family and friends may visit prior to the service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Memorial donations may be directed to Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County, 1048 S. 325 W., Pierceton, IN 46562.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com
