Mary Elizabeth Rufener, 85, of Orangeville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at the Cleveland Clinic, after enduring a severe stroke. Her devoted husband and son were by her side.

She was born on Aug. 31, 1938, in the Buhl Hospital, now Sharon Regional, to John and Elizabeth "Betty" Linzenbold Bornes.

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 Slippery Rock University, graduating in May 1960.

In the fall of 1960, she began her teaching career in the Sharpsville Area 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 Nov. 18, 1961, in Sharpsville at St. Bartholomew's Church. They 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, and 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.

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

RUFENER

Mary Elizabeth, 85, Orangeville, Ohio.

Viewing: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday (7-8-24) at the GALLOWAY-ONSTOTT FUNERAL HOME, 3451 State Route 7, Hartford, Ohio.

Funeral service: 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Interment: Orangeville Cemetery, immediately following the service.

Condolences and tributes may be sent to the family at www.gallowayonstott.com