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<strong><img class=” wp-image-406147 alignleft” src=”https://thevillagereporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-8-26-rufenacht-fixed.jpg” alt=”” width=”239″ height=”390″ />(Lifetime Resident Of Fulton County)</strong>
<p class=”font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]”>Lois M. Rufenacht, age 93, of Archbold passed away early Tuesday morning, March 31, 2026, at Fairlawn Haven Nursing Home in Archbold.</p>
<p class=”font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]”>She was born April 26, 1932, near Wauseon, the daughter of Jim and Alma (Nofziger) Beck, and married Marlin Rufenacht on Feb. 21, 1954. A lifetime resident of the Wauseon, Archbold, and Pettisville area, she was a dairy farmer’s wife, a homemaker, and a loving mother to her family.</p>
<p class=”font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]”>She attended a one-room schoolhouse through 8th grade and finished her high school education at Pettisville School, graduating Salutatorian in 1950.</p>
<p class=”font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]”>After graduation, she attended Hesston College for Bible classes for one term. Upon returning home, she worked at Sheridan Manufacturing in Wauseon for several years. Later in life she worked at Brookview Farms, packaging meat, where she enjoyed working with others and built lasting friendships.</p>
<p class=”font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]”>Soon after the birth of her first child, Marlin was called to serve two years in 1-W in Fremont, Ohio, where their second child was born. To help with expenses, Lois would iron clothes for neighbors. After returning to Archbold, they moved to the dairy farm where they would spend the rest of their farming career.</p>
<p class=”font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]”>Lois enjoyed working outside in the garden, numerous flowerbeds, mowing lawn, and helping Marlin farm. She also enjoyed volunteering at Care & Share and Sauder Village, especially in the one-room schoolhouse.</p>
<p class=”font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]”>Lois accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized at a young age at West Clinton Mennonite Church, where she was a very active member her whole life.</p>
<p class=”font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]”>She was active in WMSC, was a leader of the MYF and Wayfarers, and also a teacher for Sunday School and VBS for many years. Lois was quick to open their home to anyone needing temporary housing. She also enjoyed sharing her “Hat” stories with various groups.</p>
<p class=”font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]”>She is survived by her four children, Craig (Mary) Rufenacht, Brad (Tina) Rufenacht, Janelle (Mark) Beck, all of Archbold, and Nedra (Curt) Nolander of Pettisville; twelve grandchildren, Jeremy (Meagan), Kelby (Kendra), Eric (Michelle), and Travis (Brittany) Beck, Evan, John (Katie), Ryan, Tanner (Natalie) Rufenacht, Jaeyln (Russ) Klaussen, Logan (Maddie) Rufenacht, Harper (John) Jehl, and Caleb Nolander; fourteen great-grandchildren, Jace, Brody, Devin, Lofton, Audra, Colson, Kollins, Raegan, Jenson, Charleigh, Della, and Lottie Beck, Theodore and Waylon Rufenacht; and one sister-in-law, Charlene Beck of Archbold.</p>
<p class=”font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]”>She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; three brothers, Robert, James, and William Beck; and two sisters, Pauline Stauffer and Carolyn Bateman.</p>
<p class=”font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]”>Visitation was held at West Clinton Mennonite Church on Saturday, April 18, from 10:30-2:30 p.m., with a memorial service officiated by Pastor Ryan Harker at 3 p.m., followed by a meal and time of fellowship.</p>
<p class=”font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]”>It was Lois’ request that her body be made an anatomical gift to the University of Toledo, College of Medicine. Memorials are suggested to West Clinton Mennonite Church or Gideons International. <a class=”underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current” href=”http://www.ShortFuneralHome.com”>www.ShortFuneralHome.com</a>.</p>
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