Delores Jean Ruefer

Delores, a beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully August 14, surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Delores was born on July 15, 1941, to the late Kenneth and Margaret (Claeys) Benton.

She married the love of her life, the late Jerome A. Ruefer on April 22, 1961. Together, they shared 59 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with family, memories, and love.

Delores was the proud mother of two children, Jerry and Tammy, whom she adored. She was also blessed with a wonderful daughter-in-law, Lisa, and son-in-law, Scott, who became an important part of her family. Family meant everything to Delores, and she cherished the love and relationships that grew from it.

But perhaps her greatest joy came with the next generations. There was nothing that could light up her heart quite like her grandsons and great-grandchildren. She loved watching them grow, cheering them on, and being there for their special moments. She enjoyed attending her grandsons' dirt car races and proudly showing up for her great-grandchildren's sporting events. Their accomplishments were her accomplishments, and their happiness was her happiness.

Delores found joy in the simple things in life. She loved family gatherings, bird watching, working on puzzles, bingo, creating art, and those quiet, cozy rainy days. She had a special knack for making something out of nothing—a creativity and resourcefulness that was uniquely hers. She could take the ordinary and somehow make it special.

But what we will remember most about Delores is the love she gave so freely to her family. She created a sense of home, warmth, and togetherness that will remain with all of us. The memories she helped create will continue to live on—in family gatherings, in stories we tell, in the things she taught us, and in the love she poured into each generation.

Although our hearts are heavy with the loss of Delores, we can be grateful for the years we were blessed to have her. We will miss her presence, her creativity, her gentle spirit, and the simple moments that made her who she was.

Her life was a gift, her love was a blessing, and her memory will forever be a part of our family.

Rest peacefully, Mom/Grandma/Dee. You were deeply loved, you will be greatly missed, and you will never be forgotten.

She leaves behind her son, Jerry (Lisa) Ruefer, daughter, Tamala (Scott) Wolfram; her grandson's, J.R. (Joelle) Ruefer, Jake ( Elizabeth) Ruefer, Sandra Wolfgram; her great grandchildren, Jacob Wall, Jackson and Audrey Ruefer; great great granddaughter, Sylvia Blaire