Robert Michael Rives

Robert “Michael” Rives, age 73, passed away after a life defined by resilience, military service, and deep devotion to his family.

Michael was born on October 6, 1952, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Harry E. Rives and Mary Irene (Almon) Rives. His early years were marked by profound loss—his father passed away in April 1965, and later that same year his mother suffered a devastating stroke. She would go on to pass in 1993 in Cincinnati. Despite these hardships, Michael’s strength of character emerged early. He went to live with his half-brother, Dean Tidball, first in California and later in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he graduated from Indian Hills High School in 1971.

In October 1971, Michael enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning a distinguished military career that would span more than four decades. In 1974 he married Terry Hicks, and together they welcomed their son, Adam Garth Rives, on November 30, 1974. The Air Force took their young family to Guam in 1976, and upon returning to Colorado the following year, Michael transitioned from active duty to the Air Force Reserves.

Determined to further his education, Michael enrolled in college on the GI Bill and graduated in August 1981 from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Science in Business. Later that year he returned to Ohio, and in 1982 he transferred to the Ohio Air National Guard 124th Tactical Control Squadron in Blue Ash.

In 1983, while working at the University of Cincinnati Hospital, Michael met Judith Spilker. They married in November 1984, beginning a partnership that would anchor the rest of his life. In January 1985, Michael was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Ohio Air National Guard. That same year, he and Judith welcomed their daughter, Katherine Irene Rives, followed by their son, John Harrison Rives, in January 1987.

From 1988 to 1995, Michael served as Administrator and Executive Officer of the 179th Medical Group – Medical Readiness, in Mansfield. In December 1995, he transferred to the 445th Aerospace Medical Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where he continued his work as a Medical Readiness Officer. In 1990 Michael left the University of Cincinnati Hospital to pursue a civil service career as the Medical Readiness Flight Commander at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center.

Despite the demands of military service, Michael was unwaveringly devoted to his family. He joined them on beach trips, lake vacations, and later, a memorable journey to Australia. As his children grew, Michael embraced the joy of becoming a grandfather. Adam and his wife Socorro welcomed Mateo in 2000 and Bianca in 2005. Kate and her husband Tony Garcia welcomed Anthony in 2008. In 2007, Michael endured the heartbreaking loss of his son, John.

Michael’s military career continued at full stride until October 2012, when he retired—for the first time—as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force Reserve. He remained a civil service employee with the U.S. Air Force in the Medical Readiness office until December 2025, completing more than 50 years of combined military and federal service.

Michael will be remembered for his steadfast dedication, his gentle humor, his love of family, and his unwavering commitment to duty. His legacy lives on in the generations he nurtured, the colleagues he mentored, and the countless lives touched by his service.

He is survived by his wife Judith, his children Adam (Socorro) and Kate (Tony), his grandchildren Mateo, Bianca, and Anthony, and extended family and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Donations may be made in Michael’s memory to Disabled American Veterans or the charity of your choice.

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