Juanita Ellen Rufkahr

Juanita “Ellen” (Baldwin) Rufkahr, 81, was surrounded by her family as she passed peacefully to be with her Lord on Wednesday, November 17, 2021. Ellen was born on September 24, 1940, to John “Albert” and Thelma (Johnson) Baldwin. From an early age, they taught her the importance of kindness, faith, and family. Growing up on the family farm in Ottawa, Ellen loved the memories she made with her siblings, cooking & sewing with her momma, and taking in all the life lessons from her hard-working daddy who she admired beyond words. Upon graduating from Ottawa High School, Ellen began her career at Hallmark and retired as a meter reader for Kansas City Power and Light (KCP&L) in 1999. She loved her time outdoors and conversations along her route at KCP&L, leaving specks of kindness everywhere she went. Nobody was ever a stranger to Ellen. Each person she met, she touched with her charming personality that was warm and welcoming. In retirement, Ellen continued to be an active volunteer and member of her congregation at the Olathe Church of the Brethren. In 1974, Ellen met and married her true love, Ron Rufkahr. Throughout their 47 years of marriage, they were an example of a true loving partnership. Together they enjoyed traveling, gathering with friends and family, and of course, all the Bob Seger concerts. Ellen loved her three kids with immeasurable might, grace, and spirit. That love was shared with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and will overflow to the family they continue to make. She welcomed everyone with the biggest smile, a warm hug, and a heart full of gratitude. Through her steadfast faith in Jesus, Ellen radiated kindness towards everyone she met. Her imprint extends far beyond those in her immediate circle. We were blessed to have her as a wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, and will cherish her as she did us. Along with her parents, Ellen was preceded in death by her brothers, Johnny, Walker, and Homer, sisters, Alberta and Doris, and father of her children, Larry Clabaugh. Ellen is survived by her husband, Ron Rufkahr of Olathe, KS. Her sister, Angeline Wootten of Ottawa, KS. Her children and their spouses: Terri & Kevin Coons of Wellsville, KS; Don & Deborah Clabaugh of Crestview, FL; Tammy Clabaugh of Magnolia, TX. Her grandchildren, their spouses, and great-grandchildren: Audrey, Desiree, Daxon and Silas Claar of Edgerton, KS; Lindsey Tripp, Shelby Bailey and Brooklyn Woltkamp of Wellsville, KS; Travis, Shannah, Theodore and Alivia Clabaugh of Kingsville, TX; Rabecca, Ricky Sr., Angel, Ricky Jr., Samantha, Valentina and Romeo Palomera of Crestview, FL; Ryan and Josiah Etzen of Kansas City, KS; Ashlea, Jarred, Reagan, Kinley and Madison Moyers of Magnolia, TX. Eva and Andy Gregory of Kansas City, KS. Funeral Services will be held 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Family will meet with friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Monday, November 22, 2021, at the mortuary. Following the funeral will be an internment at Oakwood Cemetery, Baldwin City, KS. The family suggests memorial contributions to Hope House c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.