Miriam Lucille Kauffman Obituary (1933 - 2023)

Miriam Lucille Kuhns Kauffman, 90, a resident of Harrisonburg, passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023 at VMRC. Mrs. Kauffman was born on October 1, 1933 in Chambersburg, PA and was a daughter of the late Harry and Carrie Florence Kriner Kuhns. With the family she moved to Harrisonburg to attend Eastern Mennonite School where she met her future husband Elroy. Miriam earned her RN degree from the Rockingham Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and worked as a nurse for many years for RMH, as campus nurse at Eastern Mennonite College (now University), and at Sunnyside Presbyterian Home. On December 24, 1954, she married Elroy Wayne Kauffman who survives. Mrs. Kauffman's love of music was shown through her encouragement of her sons' musical interests, 20-plus years of singing with the Shenandoah Valley Choral Society, and many years singing with Elroy and three other couples as the Lindale Octet. She was an accomplished knitter, avid birdwatcher, and enjoyed their flower gardens. Miriam and Elroy were strong supporters of Laurelville Retreat Center. Upon retirement they enjoyed traveling via train and car. Also surviving are her children, Elroy "Wayne" Kauffman, II and wife Karen, James A. Kauffman and wife Ardith, and Kenneth K. Kauffman; sisters, Marie Hertzler and husband Robert, Joyce Harshberger and husband David; sister-in-law Karen Good Kuhns; five grandchildren; and six nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Kauffman was preceded in death by her brother, Donald E. Kuhns. Following cremation a memorial service will be held at Lindale Mennonite Church on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Mennonite Brethren Heritage Center, Harrisonburg, VA, PO Box 1563, Harrisonburg, VA 22803. Her family expresses gratitude and appreciation to Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community for the care and camaraderie she experienced there. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com. McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.