Michael Keith Kifer

Mike was born and raised in Monaca, PA to the late Owen and Norma Kifer. He was a faithful son and brother to Doc and Dean, and nephew to Aunt Wilda Knisely (Iames) and the late Uncle Alton Iames. For over 30 years, he made trips to visit, being his happiest when at the family farm in Bedford, PA. In between visits, he wrote weekly letters in his characteristic all-cap handwriting back and forth with several family members, but without fail, always his mom. 

A graduate of Monaca High School 1971, Mike was a proud Monaca guy, even though he moved to Ashland, Ky in 1985. Often he said people told him he should move back and be the mayor of Monaca. He was so well-liked, he probably could have. 

Even after moving away, Mike looked forward to his trips to PA and visiting with his life-long friends, Rick and Chris Starcher, Tim and Leighanne Esworthy, “Badge,” and many others. To them, he was simply known as “Kife,” and they took pleasure in reminiscing about classmates and pickup games of basketball. 

Mike was transferred with Ashland Oil in 1985 to Ashland, Ky. For over 33 years, he literally worked night and day at the refinery in the “dubbs” unit as an operator and shift foreman. There isn’t a guy who worked with Mike in the refinery who would not  have trusted their life to him. 

On Sundays that he had off from work, he attended Advance United Methodist Church in Flatwoods, and was a beloved member of the Anchor class. Attending the Fourth of July picnics at the Williamses, decorating the church for Christmas and attending the midnight service on Christmas Eve were a few events Mike looked forward to.

His true passion was being with his two children, Bradley and Allison. Whether it be the driveway basketball court, a school field trip, or coaching a soccer game, you could count on Mike being there with his kids. As they grew up and moved to different places, Mike took pleasure in visiting and continuing to be a part of their growth and successes, and no doubt sharing his pride in his children to everyone. 

Those who knew Mike will remember his love of cutting the grass and keeping his Toyota looking sharp. They’ll remember that he wore a windbreaker and baseball hat nearly everywhere, appropriate or not. They’ll remember he was just a good person, to the core, and that most can recount a time in which he told them “it’ll be fine,” and he was right.

He is survived by brothers Veryl “Doc” Kifer (Betty) and Dean Kifer (Joyce), a son Bradley Kifer (Courtney) and daughter Allison Avsar (Cihangir), his grandchildren Quinn Michael and Silas Brill Kifer and Musa Michael and Reyhan Everett Avsar, an aunt Wilda Knisely (Harold), god-daughter Hilary O’Toole (Starcher) and several cousins, nieces, nephews, a and extended family. 

Visitation will be Friday, February 5, 2021 from at 1:00 PM until service time at 3:00 PM at Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel. The service will be officiated by Reverend Jeff Brammel. The family may be contacted through the funeral home at www.steenfuneralhome.com

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