Doris May Rafuse (Balogh)

Doris May Rafuse, 90, passed away peacefully in Everett, Washington, on July 2, 2023, of natural causes.

Doris (née Jurgens) was born in Landis Township, New Jersey, on October 28, 1932. During her childhood, her family lived on various farms in or near Montgomery, New York. Until age 17 she was the only girl in the family. Throughout her life, her siblings affectionately called her “Sis.”

At age 18, she left home and got a job with Interstate Bag Company in Walden, New York, where she met her first husband, George Balogh, a co-worker. They were married on October 25, 1952, and raised a family of three daughters in Walden.

Over the years, Doris continued to work, including positions at Hecht’s Hatchery and New England Laminates Company in Walden, and at PFW-Hercules in Middletown.

After George’s untimely passing in 1974, Doris married Donald K. Rafuse on June 29, 1979. They packed a moving van and drove across country to settle in Ontario, California. After Don’s untimely passing in 1990, Doris lived in Ontario for another 29 years, working in various administrative and retail positions until she retired.

In 2019, Doris moved to Bothell, Washington, to be near family. She spent her last days in loving care at Golden Years at Hilltop, a memory care home in Everett, Washington.

Doris will be remembered for her caring nature, resilience, determination, ingenuity and easy laughter. Her sense of purpose, her zest for life, her many friends, and her trust in God sustained her through life’s difficulties. She had a kindness and openness that put people at ease and “radar” for sensing people’s feelings and making them feel recognized and valued.

Doris enjoyed gardening, offering a helping hand to friends and neighbors, and making Raggedy Ann dolls and other crafts. She doted on her beloved cats. She was a talented bowler. She was active in her community as a volunteer at her church, as an Election Day poll worker, and with the American Red Cross.

Doris will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She is survived by a brother, Ralph (Anne) Jurgens; her only sister, Judy Trestyn, her three daughters, Deborah M. (Ralph) Kosche, Carol Ann (William) Freeman, and Lynda J. Mitchell; two grandchildren, Joel A. (Margaret) Freeman and Laura B. Horton; six great grandchildren (Lucas, Lily and Lena Horton, and Adele, Calvin and Everett Freeman); and many nieces and nephews.

Doris is preceded in death by her parents, Otto R. and Myrtle E. (Knight) Jurgens; her first husband, George Balogh; her second husband, Donald K. Rafuse; her half-brother Otto Jurgens, and her brothers, Tommy, Robert, James, William, and John Jurgens.

Visitation will be Friday, August 25, 2023, 3-4PM at Millspaugh Funeral Home, 22 Bank St. Walden, NY 12586.

A Celebration of Life service will take place 4PM at the funeral home, followed by a reception at a nearby location.

Interment of ashes will be at Wallkill Valley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Red Cross or a charitable organization of your choice.

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