Rufina B. Marquette, 94, of Palmyra, passed away on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, at Londonderry Village. She was the wife of the late George R. “Rinso” Marquette, who passed away in 2008.
Rufina was born in Lancaster on June 9, 1929, to the late Lester G. and Jennie G. (Lorah) Balmer.
She was a graduate of Lebanon Valley College with a BA in music. Rufina was an elementary school teacher for Annville Cleona Schools for 28 years. She was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Annville, where she was an assistant minister, a substitute organist, and a lector, and was involved with social ministry at the church. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma a teacher’s society. She taught piano lessons out of her own home. Rufina enjoyed reading, traveling, gardening, and listening to music.
Surviving is her sons, Reynolds B. Marquette (Kala M.), of Hernando, FL, and Robby L. Marquette, of Wrightsville; grandchildren, Jason S. Marquette, Stefanie L. Marquette, and Zachary R. Marquette; and two great-grandchildren, Dillon Marquette and Zoe Marquette.
She was preceded in death by her grandson, Jeremy J. Marquette; and brother, Karl N. Balmer.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, at 11 a.m., at GracePoint EFC, 740 Leon Ave., Palmyra. Interment will be in Mt. Annville Cemetery. There will be a visitation with the family from 10-11 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the scholarship fund at Lebanon Valley College, Dr. George R. Marquette ’48 and Rufina Marquette ’51 Scholarship. In the memo line, please place Marquette Scholarship. These can be mailed to: LVC Advancement Office, 101 N. College Ave., Annville, PA 17003.
