Scott R. Rifanburg

Scott Russell Rifanburg, 57, of Hawesville, KY, and formerly of Norwich, NY, died on Friday, March 6, 2026 at the Hartford House in Owensboro, KY.

He was born in Norwich, NY on March 1, 1969, a son of Norman “Smoke” and Betsy Rifanburg. He graduated from Norwich High School in 1987 and entered the United States Air Force, serving honorably from October 20, 1987 – October 31, 2007. Scott then worked for Kyser, in Newburgh, IN. He loved his dogs, his hobby farm, and was an avid Dale Earnhardt fan.

Scott is survived by his wife, Audra Rifanburg; mother and step-father, Betsy and Merle Matts; brothers, Jim Rifanburg and Bruce (Penny) Rifanburg; step-brothers, Randy (Sherry) Matts and Jamie Matts; step-daughters, Amber Thayer and Sabrina (Chris) Ramsay; step-son, Isaac (Kristol) Ward; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Norman “Smoke” Rifanburg; paternal grandparents, Bill and Nellie Rifanburg; maternal grandparents, Palmer and Nancy Edmonds; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A committal service with Military Honors will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Norwich. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2026 beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the South New Berlin Fire House, 3519 State Highway 8, South New Berlin, NY, 13843.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted with the Wilson Funeral Home.