Loretta Rose Rifkin (10/11/21), lover of unicorns and all things Frozen, passed away on 12/20/24 after a seven-month long battle with a rare type of Medulloblastoma. She was just two months past her third birthday. 

Etta was the beloved second child of parents Abraham and Sarah Anne and the adored younger sister of Theadora Anne. 

She loved building Legos and wrestling with her dad, going on bike rides with her mom, and playing babies with her sister. She was kind, silly, and curious and always accompanied by her cherished stuffed pig, Piggie. She had piercing blue eyes, a quick smile, and a gentle nature. 

She is survived by her parents and sister in Lafayette, CO; her great-grandparents Drs. Theodore and Jeanne Yerasimides of Kansas City, MO; her grandparents, Dr. Robert and Rose Rifkin of Chesterfield, MO; her grandmother, Julie Melquist of Roseville, Minnesota; Aunts and Uncles Rachel and Nikhil, Ambrosia and Stan, Eric and Katie, and Jacob; cousins Triston, Easton, Harper, and Dakota, Enzo and Yula. Many friends in the JCC’s Sunflowers classroom. All of whom will miss her terribly. Etta’s grandfather, David Melquist, as well as great-grandparents, will meet her on the other side with open arms and plenty of pancakes and greek yogurt. 

“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul, there is no separation.” — Rumi