Elma L. Kauffman

Elma Louise (Ediger) Kauffman, 87, of West Liberty, Ohio, passed peacefully into eternal rest at Otterbein Green Hills Senior Life Community on Monday, November 3, 2025, under the loving care of her family and Otterbein Hospice.

Elma was born on the family farm in Inman, Kansas, on December 1, 1937, to Jacob H. and Margaretha (Wiens) Ediger. On August 15, 1958, she married Warren Kauffman at Bethel Mennonite Church in Inman. After a period of living in Kansas, they made their home in West Liberty.

Elma held a variety of office positions for businesses in the area, including two family businesses, Kauffman Fuel Service and Designed Harness Systems. She enjoyed mastering new things and had a keen curiosity for learning by doing. She was active in the West Liberty Tourist Club and the Music Club. Elma also volunteered at Otterbein Green Hills Senior Life Community and the MCC Thrift Shop for many years. Following her retirement, she enjoyed sewing over 4,000 bags for a Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) project to supply students around the world with school kits. She and Warren also spent a large portion of their retirement traveling.

Elma was a member of both Bethel Mennonite Church, Inman, and South Union Mennonite Church, West Liberty. She was a gifted musician and enjoyed playing the organ and piano for weekly services and other occasions at South Union for many years. She also enjoyed singing along and listening to the Messiah.

Elma is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Warren D. Kauffman; one son, Randy (Tina) of Hilliard, Ohio; one son-in-law, Clarence Crump of Birmingham, Alabama; two grandchildren, Rebekah Kauffman of Columbus, Ohio and Drew (Hallie) Kauffman of Denver, Colorado; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to her parents, Elma was preceded in death by beloved daughter, Kathleen Kauffman; two brothers, Peter and Menno Ediger, and three sisters, Tena Epp, Marie Regehr and Anne Martin.

Elma’s greatest joy came from the achievements and happiness of her children and grandchildren. She treasured visits with Kathleen and Clarence, especially Thanksgivings at the beach, which provided her with many precious memories. She took great pleasure in hosting holiday dinners with Randy and Tina’s family. She found true happiness in setting a beautiful table, believing that a special meal deserved special dishes. Elma adored Rebekah, Drew and Hallie. She cherished time with them, whether attending their activities, hearing about their school or work, or sharing her love of music and the arts with them at an annual outing to the BalletMet’s Nutcracker production.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to MCC in support of the “Great Lakes School Kits” project. Gifts may be made online at

https://mcc.org/get-involved/giving/designations/kits-and-comforters

When checking out, please select “In Memory” and add Elma Kauffman. 

Gifts may also be mailed to MCC, P.O. Box 500, Akron, PA 17501-0500. Please add “Great Lakes School Kits – Elma Kauffman” to the memo. These kits provide notebooks, pencils, rulers, erasers and other items in a sewn bag for school-aged children.

A Celebration of Elma’s life will be held at a later date.

EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME & Cremation Center, West Liberty, is honored to serve the Kauffman family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com