Jean Spake Rufty

Jean Spake Rufty, 92, of Salisbury, passed away Tuesday, November 16th, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born May 5, 1929, in Spencer, NC to the late William Duncan Spake and Virginia Miller Spake. She graduated from Spencer High School where she was a cheerleader. After high school, she worked at Southern Bell as a telephone operator. It was during this time that she met and married the love of her life and soulmate, Charles William Rufty, who preceded her in death on December 7, 2013 after 63 years of marriage. A member of First Baptist Church in Spencer, Jean joined St. John's Lutheran Church in Salisbury upon her marriage. Jean helped Charles to establish and operate Rufty Plumbing Company for many years. In later years, Jean and Charles joined with other family members in establishing and operating O.O. Rufty's General Store, Inc, Piedmont Garden Supply, Inc. Southeastern Plumbing Supply, Inc., Rufty’s Garden Shop, Inc, and City Consignment Company, Inc. Jean was a founding member of the Gala Bridge Club and played bridge for 70 years. She was a Brownie Scout Leader, member of numerous PTAs, and involved with the Women's Circle at St. John's, all while raising 5 daughters. Her home was always open to family and friends, old and new, for fellowship, food, and fun. She is survived by her 5 daughters: Tzena (Charles) Wicker, Lisa (Ray) Pope, Sheila (Raymond) Stowers, Lorna (Barry) Medinger, and Sabrina Rufty (Mark Lawyer). She is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Johnny (Brittany) Wear, Lauren (Paul) Hoben, Barry (Brooke) Medinger, Brandon Hazlett (Lorenzo Ruiz), Nick (Kristina) Medinger, Sydney Roberson, Duke Wicker (Daisy Lemke), Elizabeth (Kit) Lowery, Liza (Jayme) Broeckling, Joey (Brittany) Lawyer, Matt (Tracy) Lawyer, Jacob Stowers, Connor (Sally) Stowers, and Jennifer (Chris) Hazlett. In addition, she is survived by 19 great grandchildren: Will and Jack Wear, Isabel and Annabell Melton, Charleigh and Bennett Medinger, Griffin and Peyton Medinger, Aria, Everly, and Lilah Broeckling, Roman and Griffin Lawyer, Andrew and Jacob Lawyer, Ava and Mason Hazlett, and Austin and Abby Hoben. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Spake Lippard, and sister-in-law, Mary Johnson Spake. Also, a bonus son, Chris (Jackie) Crane, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and "adopted" family members. She is also predeceased by two brothers, Charles Spake and Bill Spake. Special love and thank yous to her caregivers: Elizabeth Lowery, Isabel Melton, Patti Watkins, Debra McLaughlin, Anna Sellers, and Annie Wilkey. A visitation will be held at 1 pm on Friday, November 19 in Peeler Hall and will be followed by a 2 pm funeral service in the St. John's Lutheran Church Chapel, 200 West Innes Street, Salisbury, NC. Services will be officiated by Rev. Dr. Rhodes Woolly. Burial will follow at City Memorial Park. Masks requested. Memorials may be made to: Novant Health Rowan Hospice, 1229 Statesville Blvd., Salisbury, NC 28144, St. John's Lutheran Church, or Lutheridge, 2511 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Rufty Family. Online condolences can be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Jean Spake Rufty

May 5, 1929 - November 16, 2021