Mary Elizabeth Kauffman of Plain City, OH, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved her dearly.
These are some of the moments and memories that shaped her story.
Some bonds are not loosened by absence.
Mary Elizabeth (Slabaugh) Kauffman, West Jefferson, OH, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 4, 2026, at age 90 years, 5 months, and 7 days.
She was born on December 28, 1935 to John D. and Amelia (Byler) Slabaugh of Hartville, OH. Mary spoke very highly of her parents. She married her "Dear Heart" (Dear 'eart) Lloyd Kauffman, on July 8, 1967.
Mary was an incredibly loving and supportive wife, ministering together in their life's work, sharing the gift of music with numerous students, choirs and churches around the world. Mary was quiet by nature, and Heaven listened when she spoke.
She was deeply devoted to the Lord, an excellent listener, and caring friend. Her insight, compassion, and generosity impacted family, friends, neighbors, choir members, and anyone she met. All of Mary's relationships served as a bridge to her Creator. Her relentless pursuit of His presence was evident to all who knew her.
Mary enjoyed reading, writing cards, beautiful music, birds and wildlife, domestic and international travel, palm trees, sunny Florida days in the lanai, and much more. She called the year they lived in Kenya when Lloyd taught at Daystar University, "the best year of my life."
Mary is survived by her husband Lloyd, in-laws Pablo and Judi Kauffman (OH), Jim and Ruth Weber (AL), Betti Kauffman (PA), "daughter" Brenda Burkey (OH), a core of close friends, many adoring nieces and nephews, and a host of additional relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Clarence and Paul; sisters Martha and Leora, and a stillborn baby sister, Ruth Ann; and in-laws Kenneth Kauffman, Lois and Leon Kaufman, and Ura Miller.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm, and on Saturday May 9, 2026 from 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm at United Bethel Mennonite Church, 11342 Lafayette Plain City Rd, Plain City, OH.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 1:00 pm at United Bethel Mennonite Church. Burial will follow at Big Darby Cemetery, Plain City, Ohio.
From 2004 to 2018, Mary made a lasting impact with the Hope Singers, a choir Lloyd led in Poland as a ministry of Anabaptist International Ministries (AIM). While supporting choir members through care, encouragement and prayer, Mary came to care deeply about AIM's broader work in Poland-teaching English, strengthening the local church community, and living out Christ's love through long-term presence and neighborly care.
Anyone wishing to honor Mary's memory may do so through donations to the Mary Kauffman Memorial Fund benefiting Anabaptist International Ministries. AIM, P.O. Box 62, Guys Mills, PA 16327.
Please visit www.fergusonfuneralhomeinc.com to share a special memory. Ferguson Funeral Home, Plain City, Ohio is honored to care for the Kauffman family.
