Rufus N. Haney

Rufus N. Haney, age 83, passed on Sunday, September 28, 2025, under hospice care in Wilmington, DE. Rufe was a loving husband and father who was dedicated to his family. He delighted in spending time with his grandchildren.

Rufe retired from PATCO after 32 years as an electrician. He attended Evangelical United Methodist Church in Clarksboro for many years, where he drove the church bus and helped with various maintenance projects. He enjoyed spending time shooting targets at the Quinton Sportsman's Club gun range with friends and with his grandsons. He even taught his wife Evelyn how to shoot. In the spring and summer, you could find him in the backyard repairing lawnmowers for friends and neighbors and feeding and watching the birds (he especially loved the hummingbirds). He never missed the Saturday morning yard sales. He liked to relax by completing cryptogram puzzles and watching old TV shows. Every year he planted a garden, and everyone loved receiving his gifts of Jersey tomatoes.

Rufe is survived by his wife of 61 years, Evelyn Haney (nee Babcock); son Jason Haney and wife Sandy; daughter Joanna Bottiglieri and husband Steve; grandchildren, Vincent Bottiglieri, John Haney, Lydia Bottiglieri, and Sylvia Haney; sister and brother-in-law, Freda and Hal Ritter; brother-in-law George Bunting; sister-in-law Ruth McGraw; many nieces and nephews; and his granddog Shera.

Rufe was predeceased by his parents Fred and Polly Haney and sister Margaret Bunting.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 9:30 to 11:00 am on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Smith Funeral Home, 47 Main Street, Mantua, NJ 08051. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, with burial to follow at Eglington Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rufe's memory can be sent to Evangelical United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 238, Clarksboro, NJ 08020.

Online condolences can be made at https://www.smithfhmantua.com/.