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RUFENER ERNEST LAVON “BUD”
ERNEST LAVON “BUD” RUFENER
Ernest Lavon "Bud" Rufener passed away peacefully on May 12, 2011. He was born on March 26, 1918, in South Russell to Henry & Beulah (Bucklew) Rufener. He grew up and raised his family in Chagrin Falls and later moved to Solon where he spent the rest of his 93 yrs. He is preceded in death by his second wife of 37 years, Arlene F. (Hunt), and 4 siblings, Lenore (Batchelder), Virginia, Robert and Charles. Dearest father to Loretta Pinkett (Richard), Kent (Donna) and Louise Kappus (Thomas). Cherished grandfather to Jeffrey Pinkett (Laurie) and Jill Pinkett Fry (Bryan). Great-grandfather to Daniel, Kristen, Carli, Brian, Dominic, Alec and Joseph. Step-children, Carol Reitz (William); children, Vicky & Halle), Phyliss Thomas (Charles); children, Kim, Tommi, Pegi and David) and Bonny Simmons (Frank); children, Brad & Clayton.
Bud entered the U.S. Army in 1943 and served as a Medical Aideman at Camp Hood, Texas until his discharge in 1945.
He worked for the Brewster and Stroud Furniture Store in Chagrin Falls for 50 years as a Salesman. For his dedicated service, a front showroom was named "The Bud Rufener Room". A public open house was held and he was awarded the plaque that hung over the door to this room.
He was a former member of The Fraternal Order Of Eagles and The American Legion of Chagrin Falls. Bud also drove an ambulance for the Brewster and Stroud Funeral Home and for a brief hiatus he worked as a salesman for the Sedlak Furniture Store.
He was kind and generous, devoting time to visiting friends that were hospitalized or in nursing homes and running errands for them. He took it upon himself to plant flowers on unattended graves of friends at Evergreen Cemetery.
He was loved by many and will be missed by his many friends for his gentle spirit and the ready smile on his face. He could be counted on to always have a piece of candy in his pocket for the kids.
Visitations will be Friday, May 20, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be Saturday, May 21, 11:00 a.m., at Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home, with a graveside interment service immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Geauga Humane Society Rescue Village, PO Box 116, Novelty 44072 or to Hospice - Cross Roads, 3743 Voettler Oaks Dr., Green, OH 44685.
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