Rodney L. Stives, hard-working husband and father dedicated to his family

PORTVILLE — Rodney L. Stives passed away Saturday (May 2, 2026) at the Pines Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Olean, surrounded by his loving family.

Rodney was born Sept. 13, 1939, in Willing, to Elmer and Julia Cole Stives. On July 12, 1963, he married Jeanne Frair, who predeceased him July 1, 2020.

A 1958 graduate of Otto-Eldred School, Rodney joined the U.S. Air Force and served honorably from 1958 until 1962.

He worked in maintenance at Hysol/Dexter Corp. in Olean until his retirement.

Rodney was a member of the Portville Volunteer Fire Dept. and the Portville American Legion.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and carpentry, and was a pee-wee football coach.

Rodney is survived by his children, Christine (Steve) Carpenter, Robert (Brandi Lynn) Stives and Nicholas Stives; grandchildren, Caleb (Leah) Carpenter, Albanie (Troy) Giberson, Tyler Stives, Leigha Stives and Joel Stives; great-grandchildren, Ezra Carpenter and Theodore Giberson; and a sister-in-law, Penny Stives.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Jeanne; his parents, Elmer and Julia; and two brothers, Robert and Richard Stives.

The public is invited to a graveside service at 11 a.m. Saturday (May 9, 2026) at the West Genesee Cemetery in Obi.

Memorials may be made to the Portville American Legion or the Portville Fire Dept.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.