Alma L. Kuffner

Alma Lou Kuffner peacefully passed away on December 23, 2023, at the age of 93, as she has found eternal rest and comfort. Alma, a long-standing resident of St. Marys, was currently residing in New Bremen at Elmwood Assisted Living. Alma was born in Wapakoneta, on June 11, 1930, to the late Clinton and Rose (Martin) Shaw.

On July 26, 1953, Alma married the love of her life, John “Jack” Kuffner. Alma and Jack were married for fifty-nine years, before his passing on February 28, 2013. Together, they have three children who are surviving; Kurt (Donna) Kuffner of St. Marys, Kris (Donna) Kuffner of Indianapolis, and Kathy (John) Lampert of St. Marys. Their lives were forever enriched by Alma’s endless love, unwavering guidance, as well as her nurture and support.

Alma, also known as “Nanny” by her grandchildren, embraced the role of a loving grandma with unparalleled warmth, tenderness, and commitment to her grandchildren. Her grandchildren, Elizabeth (Jason) Johnson of St. Marys, Emily (John) Meinerding of St. Marys, Alex (Jill) Lampert of St. Marys, Adam Kuffner of West Lafayette, Indiana, Greg Kuffner of Sandy Springs, Georgia and Nathan Kuffner of Sandy Springs, Georgia, cherish the memories and every moment spent with her; as her legacy will remain etched in the hearts of all her beloved grandchildren. “Nanny” was always filled with laughter, and smiles and had immeasurable love for her eight great-grandchildren, Aiden, Makenna, Cason, and Xander Meinerding, as well as, Braylon, Zoey, Bailey, and Zane Lampert; and her extended family of many nieces, nephews, and sister-in-law, Beth Maxwell.

Growing up, Alma came from a large family, being one of six children. She was preceded in death by her siblings and their spouses, Carmen (George) Van Doren, Maxine (Fred) Fantz, James (Jane) Shaw, Jane (Roland) Rickert, and Martha (Richard) Bitters. She was also preceded in death by her in-laws, Dr. Elizabeth Kuffner and Frederick (Emma) Kuffner, and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Donald and Bette Ruth Maxwell.

Alma graduated from Blume High School in Wapakoneta. While in High School, she was an active member of the High School Band, playing the snare drum; she was very proud to tell others that she attended her Junior and Senior Prom with her date, Neil Armstrong. Alma then attended Ohio University in Athens, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in education; at Ohio University, she met her future husband, Jack. Alma taught Physical Education at Shawnee Local Schools and St. Marys City Schools for several years. Alma decided to embrace the role of a devoted housewife and nurturing mother with love, dedication, and grace, as she transitioned from an educator in schools to a selfless wife and mother at home. Alma also dedicated much time to helping her husband, Jack, with his General Law Practice for fifty years in St. Marys.

Alma was profoundly involved with the community and was a vivacious part of the life of Zion Lutheran Church in St. Marys. She truly enjoyed singing for forty-six years in the church choir, directing the choir for a year, being an active member of the church bell choir for ten years, serving on the church council, serving communion each month to church members who were in local nursing homes, and assisting in many different facets of church events and activities both locally and nationally, attending the National Church Women’s Conventions. She also served on several search committees for new pastors, was elected to the Board of Directors of Trinity Seminary in Columbus, where she served for many years, was a regional director for “Friends of Trinity”, raising funds for Trinity Seminary, and represented her church as an officer in the St. Marys Fellowship of Churches Organization.

Through her years of serving others, Alma served as a board member of Wright State University and she was an active member in the Shakespeare Club, Drama Club, and Music Club in which she served as president, Girl Scout Leader, motivational volunteer at local nursing homes, “Focus 95 Long-Range Planning Committee” for St. Marys City Schools, board member of the St. Marys Community Foundation, Western Ohio Education Foundation, “Helping Hands”, and she hosted many generous events for clubs and organizations that she was a part of at her home. In 1999, Alma received the Beta Sigma Phi award as “Woman of the Year” in St. Marys and in 2003, she received the Builders of Bridges award.

Most important to Alma was her family. She showed the true essence of love, always putting her family and their needs first, cherishing every moment spent together. Her solid love and selflessness always created a warm and nurturing environment that became a cornerstone of her family’s lives. Alma always welcomed family and friends to her house to visit and she embraced the joy of everyone’s presence. She has truly created lasting memories that will be cherished and treasured by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were fortunate to experience her love.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Cisco Funeral Home in St. Marys. The funeral service for Alma will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church, in St. Marys, with Pastor Bill Maki officiating, visitation will be held from 9:30 am – 10:30 am at the church.

Interment will follow the funeral service at Elm Grove Cemetery in St. Marys.

Memorial contributions can be made in Alma’s honor to Zion Lutheran Church and/or Grand Lake Hospice.

Cisco Funeral Homes of Celina & St. Marys are honored to care for Alma and her family. To pay respects and to leave online condolences or memories, visit www.ciscofuneralhome.com or the Cisco Funeral Home Facebook page.