Mary Elizabeth Rufener

Mary Elizabeth Rufener of Orangeville, OH passed away peacefully at the Cleveland Clinic on Thursday, July 4, 2024 after enduring a severe stroke.  Her devoted husband and son were by her side.

She was born in the Buhl Hospital, now Sharon Regional, to John and Elizabeth (Betty) Linzenbold Bornes on August 31, 1938.  Due to her parents’ untimely deaths, she was raised by her beloved paternal grandmother, Bertha Bornes.  She was one special lady!

Mary Beth attended the elementary grades at Union School, South Pymatuning Township and continued with Junior and Senior High School at Sharpsville, graduating in the class of 1956.  She then continued her education at Slippery Rock State Teachers College, now SRU, graduating in May 1960.  In the fall of 1960 she began her teaching career in the Sharpsville School District.  She taught from 1960 to 1995 in first and third grades in the South Pymatuning and Seventh Street buildings.  Her first assignment was third grade in the South Pymatuning building and though all classes were special in some way, her first class was especially dear to her, as well as the last class, which was first grade at the South Pymatuning building.  She had many fond memories in both buildings.

In the summer of 1958, she met the love of her life, Richard Rufener, and they were married on November 18, 1961 in Sharpsville at St. Bartholomew’s Church and enjoyed 62 wonderful years together.

Mary Beth is survived by her husband Richard Rufener; their son, Richard John (R.J.) Rufener and his wife, Lisa; two wonderful granddaughters, Katie (Ken Hubbard) and Marcy Rufener; a precious great-granddaughter, Kori Beth; a step great-granddaughter, Kenlee and many cousins.

Mary Beth was a member of the Orangeville United Methodist Church and held memberships in the county, state, and national education associations.

Bringing so much happiness to  her life was that she was so fortunate to have had the opportunity to care for her granddaughters during summers, as they were growing up and supporting all their activities through the years.  She enjoyed reading, gardening, puzzles of all kinds, and celebrating special occasions- Sunday and holiday brunch, Christmas Eve gatherings after Church service.  It was said “She very seldom has an empty cookie jar.”  With her husband, she enjoyed traveling, especially to Canada, and going on many cruises with friends from South Carolina.  Life was so precious to her.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Galloway-Onstott Funeral Home.  Please join the family at the funeral home from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 2024 for a viewing before the funeral service, which will begin at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.  Interment will be at the Orangeville Cemetery immediately following the service.

If you are so inclined, please make a memorial contribution to either the Warren Family Mission, P.O. Box 311, Warren, OH 44482 or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Elizabeth Rufener, please visit our floral store.