Martha Rufina Holstegge

Born on January 28, 1927 in Sedgwick, KS, she was one of seven children to Ernest and Rufina Johnston. She spent her early years living on a farm before moving to Wichita, KS. After attending North High School in Wichita, she went on to study Music and Elementary Education at Wichita State University.

In 1945, Rufina married the love of her life, Jimmie Holstegge, to whom she remained happily married for nearly 60 years until his passing in 2005. Together they raised three children, Patti, Donn and Craig.

Affectionately known as "Grandma Jimmie," she was a devoted grandmother to Crista (Phil), Lisa, Nathan (Tessia), and Michael, and a proud great-grandmother to Isaac, Elliott, Everett, and Ruby.

Her life was lived as a reflection of her deep Christian faith, always guided by her trust in God. Working initially as a special needs teacher, she later became Director of Children's Ministries at First Bible Baptist Church in Wichita. After retiring to Colorado Springs, she and Jimmie took many mission trips, including Romania, Navajo Nation in New Mexico and Pakistan, sharing their love for others and their spiritual devotion. She was incredibly generous with her time and talents - sewing countless quilts to donate to various church ministries as well as her friends at the Navajo Nation and consistently offering help to those in need. In quieter moments, she enjoyed reading, reminiscing with family and friends, and sharing stories from her long and meaningful life.

Rufina is survived by her son, Donn Holstegge and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Jimmie, her children Patti and Craig, and her sisters, Josephine, Winona, Lucille, Ernestine, Ruth and Ruby.

She will always be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering faith, a legacy of love that lives on in all who met her.

A memorial service celebrating Rufina's life will be held on July 11, 2025, at 11am at First Presbyterian Church (Cathedral Room), Colorado Springs, CO. A graveside service will be held at 10am on August 2, 2025 at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Goddard, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 219 E. Bijou St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903.