Richard W. Rufener

Richard Warner Rufener passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 31, 2025. He was 89 years old. Richard was born on Wednesday, January 1, 1936 in Warren, Ohio to Elmer (Ed) and Martha Miller Rufener. He was the second baby born that first day of the New Year. Dick was a graduate of Vernon High School, the class of 1954. He was also a graduate of General Motors Institute in Michigan. He began working with his uncle, Welch Boyd, in Orangeville in the auto business. He served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1961, stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia. After being honorably discharged, he continued with automobiles and also began in the lawn and garden business selling Cub Cadet, Wheel Horse and Toro products. His son, R.J., continues in the business. Dick was always willing to go the "extra mile" for his customers and it was said "He never met a stranger". On November 18, 1961, Dick married his loving wife, Mary Beth Bornes in Sharpsville at St. Bartholomew's and together enjoyed 63 years of marriage. She preceded him in death of July 4, 2024. He was a long time member of the Orangeville Methodist Church, was a volunteer fireman with the Orangeville Fire Department and served on the village council. He and his wife enjoyed traveling, especially to Canada, and having many cruises with friends from South Carolina. Though he had many interests, he especially enjoyed the outdoors and aviation. He truly enjoyed people and loved life. Dick is survived by his son, Richard John "R.J." Rufener and his wife, Lisa; two wonderful granddaughters, Katie and Marcie and one precious great-granddaughter, Kori Beth. He also had many cousins and half nieces and nephews. Family was very important to Richard. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Galloway-Onstott Funeral Home, 3451 St. Rt. 7, Hartford Ohio 44424. Please join the family at the funeral home from 11 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, for viewing before the funeral service at noon. Rev. MaryAnn Rufener will officiate. Burial will be in Orangeville Cemetery. If you are so inclined, please make memorial donations to either the Warren Family Mission, P.O. Box 311, Warren, OH 44428 or to Buckeye Hospice and Palliative Care, 3379 S. Main St., Mineral Ridge, OH 44440. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard W. Rufener, please visit our floral store.