Ruth M. (Hershberger) Kaufman

Kaufman, Ruth M, 90, of Harrisonburg, VA, passed away on December 23, 2023. Born in Somerset County, PA, on August 16, 1933, daughter of Norman and Linnie (Thomas) Hershberger. Preceded in death by parents; son, Lynn Douglas; two sisters, Nora & Erie; and  brother, Boyd. On August 28, 1954, she married Rev. Marvin L. Kaufman, who passed away on February 16, 2017. Survived by children: LaVonne, wife of Dr. Joseph Martin; Lori, wife of Dr. Edward S. Gant, Jr.; Marci, wife of Daryl Myers, all of Harrisonburg, VA; 11 grandchildren: Holly Martin (Farid Javidpour), Andrew (Nichole) Martin, Kelly Trease, Kate (Hayes) Patrick, David Martin, Becky (Seth) Allen, Sarah Gant, Anna (C.J.) Morgan, Jessica (Eric) Fitzgerald, Kristen (Seth) Berkey, Emily (Seth) Suttles;  great grandchildren, Norman Martin, Vivienne Martin, Irene Javidpour, Levi Gant, Isaiah Allen, Jackson Fitzgerald, Asher Fitzgerald, Wells Berkey, Quinn Suttles and Cole Suttles. Ruth graduated from Conemaugh Township High School, Davidsville, PA, in 1951 and Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Johnstown, PA, in 1954. She worked as an R.N. at Norristown State Hospital. After she raised her children, she worked at Davidsville Family Practice for 16 years. She served as a pastor’s wife in ministerial work at these Mennonite churches: Carpenter Park, Otelia, Stahl, Lynside, Beldor and Crossroads. She served as Sunday school teacher, church organist, church historian, Allegheny Mennonite Conference WMSC president for 12 years; secretary of Conemaugh Township Area Ministries; and treasurer of St. Francis Sharing & Caring in Conemaugh Township, as well as Volunteer at World’s Attic in Somerset, PA. She and her husband were hosts for seven trips to the Holy Land and Egypt under a United Methodist organization, Educational Opportunities. Family will receive friends Friday, December 29, from 6 - 8 p.m. at the George E. Mason Funeral Home, Davidsville, PA, and from 10 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11 a.m., Saturday, December 30, at Stahl Mennonite Church, Johnstown, PA, Pastor Art McPhee officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VMRC Good Samaritan Fund, 1491 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22802. 

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