Yvonne (Harford) Ruffner

Yvonne D. Ruffner (nee Harford), affectionately known to her family and close friends as “Butchie”, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2021 in Columbus, Nebraska with her loving husband, Larry Ruffner of 56 years and family by her side. She was 77 years old.

Yvonne was born on September 19, 1944 in Revere, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Harbor High School in Ashtabula, Ohio in 1962 where she was proud to have been a cheerleader for the Harbor Mariners.

She married the love of her life, Larry on March 4, 1965 and raised their four wonderful children together in Ashtabula where they lived for thirty years before moving to Wagner’s Lake in Columbus, Nebraska in 1995.

Yvonne is survived by her devoted husband, Larry and their four children and their families: Charlene (Kenny) Fines of Locust Grove, Virginia; Kathleen (Sam) Dispenza of Mentor, Ohio; Cheryl (Cory) Ditter of Columbus, Nebraska; and Jeffery (Sara) Ruffner of Cincinnati, Ohio. Twelve grandchildren: Michael (Chelsea) Fines; Samantha, Kayla, Dominick and Giana Dispenza; Chase, Nathan and Jackson Ditter; and Drew, Marin, Derek and Mallory Ruffner. Two great-grandchildren: Noah and Ella Fines. She is also survived by her brother, Bill Robinson of Ashtabula, and brothers-in-law: Ronnie (Joyce) Ruffner of Waldorf, Maryland; Larry Rininger of West Augusta, Virginia; and Ben Davis of Salisbury, North Carolina, as well as numerous much-loved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Yvonne was predeceased by her mother, Marguerite Robinson; her beloved mother and father-in law, Vane and Geraldine Ruffner (Nanny and Papaw) and her dear sisters-in-law: Anna Sue Davis and Julia Lou Rininger.

Butchie was a fun-loving wife, mother, “Mamaw” and dear friend to many. She and Larry have always been very social and thoroughly enjoyed hosting parties throughout the years for friends and family, both in Ohio and Nebraska. Her kids always teased that their parents had to have parties to plan parties. They have built so many wonderful memories. Butchie and Larry enjoyed traveling with friends and family and could always be counted on to light up a dance floor, bringing great joy to all.

Visitation will be held in Columbus, Nebraska on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 from 4-7 p.m. at McKown Funeral Home. A private family graveside service is planned at the Saybrook Township Cemetery in Ashtabula, Ohio which will be handled by the Fleming & Billman Funeral Home.

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