In loving memory of

Ruth Durfee
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969

Ruth Lorraine Larsen Durfee, 89, of Carmel, passed away on March 12, 2008. Ruth was born November 20th, 1918 in Omaha, Nebraska to Edward and Anna Larsen. She was preceded in death by a brother and her husband S. Donald Durfee. Ruth was the beloved mother of Susan Durfee, Sally Klingerman, Donna Augenbergs (Karl), and Leslie Archer (David). She was also adored by her grandchildren, Laurel Leslie (Tim), Maija Fenwick (Ronnie), Amanda Klingerman, Kate Devine (Martin), Erik Augenbergs, David Archer Jr., Amy Lynn, Harold Archer (Michelle), as well as 7 great grandchildren.



After achieving her Bachelors and Masters degrees at Butler University, Ruth taught for 18 years in Lawrence Township at Indian Creek and Oaklandon Elementary Schools.



Ruth never knew a stranger and shared her love of life with everyone she encountered, epitomizing optimism and the helping spirit. She demonstrated this in the community as a docent at the Indiana State Museum, a deacon and committee woman at Orchard Park Presbyterin Church, a member of the Carmel Kiwanis club, and a volunteer at the Museum of Miniatures. She was also a cornerstone of strength, love and joy for her family and friends. Ruth will always be admired and remembered for adventurous travels, her passion for reading and knowledge, and her fascination with science and the beauty of the natural world around her. Her family will never forget her unending support, her positive words, her caring spirit, her sense of humor, her cheerful demeanor, those delicious cookies, and the beautiful way in which she lived each day to the fullest. Ruth will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Family and friends will gather on Sunday, march 16, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. in Leppert Mortuary, Smith Carmel Chapel until service time at 3:00 p.m. A family committal service will be held on Monday, March 17, 2008. Please visit www.leppertmortuary.com where you may share a memory, sign the guest book or make a memorial contribution to Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, of which Ruth was a member.






Tributes

Gar and Susan Rice wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Sally, we were so sorry to read about your mother's death. It's such a difficult time. Please know we are thinking of your and your family. "

Marge Patton wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Sally and family, I was so sorry to hear about the death of your mother. She was a lovely lady and enjoyed life. Remember her in her prime and take comfort that God will help you through this difficult & sad time. He will give you the strength you need, so lean on Him. Celebrate the life of your mother. Keep the memories alive by sharing her pictures and your stories of events remembered."

Melody wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Mrs. Durfee was my 4th grade teacher at Oaklandon Elementary School in 1978. I believe that was her last year teaching. She was such a delight. She had such a love of learning and children!! A boy in class had a crush on me and chased me around the playground and kept complimenting me. He wore a tux to our music program to impress me, which mortified me! One day I said something about being so embarassed and Mrs. Durfee said, "Because a young boy wants to be with you?" I was horrified that she was aware. I remember her putting her head back and laughing a hearty good natured laugh and assuring me that one day I would not be so put off by a young boy's attention. She was right...smile.I just loved having her as a teacher, because it was obvious that she loved being a teacher. She made learning fun, but most importantly, she treated each and everyone of us with respect and a wonderful sense of humor.I am so glad to have had her in my life. All who love her are in my thoughts and prayers."

Henrietta Godich Bishop wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Ruth and I taught together at Indian Creek. I enjoyed working with her and I am very sorry to hear of her passing. I will miss her."

Lee Winkler wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Sally and Donna,I am so sorry for your loss of your mom my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time Lee"

Lori Ball wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Ruth will always be remembered in my mind as a happy & delightful woman. Ruth spent her last years at Summit Place West, where I am the beautician. I always looked forward to her weekly visits. She seemed to bring a positive outlook to any situation. A few years ago she & I attended "Menopause the Musical". I witnessed Ruth as a "young woman" who laughed & laughed & laughed as the message was true to her life! . I had more fun watching & listening to her than the musical itself !! My condolences to her family as you will surly miss her. I believe she is at rest with her Savior Jesus Christ!!"