Lanea Patricia Gaffney Ruffaner, 82, passed away at her home in Winfield, PA on Friday, November 12, 2021 surrounded by her family. Lanea and her husband Robert E. Ruffaner were married on June 16, 1962 and celebrated 59 years of marriage together. Lanea was born on August 16, 1939 in Williamsport and was the daughter of Joseph F. and Ella Mae Ranck Gaffney. She was a 1957 graduate of Williamsport High School, a 1960 graduate of The Robert Packer School of Nursing (Sayre PA) and became a Registered Nurse.
Lanea’s proud Registered Nurse career spans 38 years serving four PA hospitals but mostly with the Susquehanna Health System (SHS), now UPMC, in Williamsport. The highlight of her career was being the Coordinator of Paramedic Education for the first nine classes (1979-1987). She capped off her career as the Coordinator, in Occupational Health, retiring in 2002.
Girl Scouting played an important role in Lanea’s life as a young girl earning the highest award in Girl Scouts, the Curved Bar (Gold Award today). She also attended the 1956 first ever Girl Scout Senior Roundup in Detroit, MI. and served as a camp counselor at the Girl Scout’s Camp Lycogis, which has always held a special place in her heart. Lanea passed the importance of her scouting experience on to her daughters and served as a Cub Scout Den Mother for her son. Throughout her life, Lanea contributed to the Williamsport community in various ways; she is an emeritus member of the Junior League of Williamsport, past board member of Salvation Army and a past president for Women of Trinity Episcopal Church. She also volunteered in many capacities at Trinity Episcopal Church including Sunday School teaching, dinners, etc. and started the church’s first Children’s Day Care for working mothers in the mid-1960s. United Churches of Lycoming County, American Cancer Society and American Heart Association also received her volunteer services.
In addition to supporting her husband’s community activities, Lanea was an important part of her children’s lives, which included being a past president of the Curtin Junior High PTO and a 10 year volunteer of the Williamsport Area High School Band Parents Association. Her involvement as a band parent was cherished by many. During her life, Lanea and Bob enjoyed wonderful travel experiences with their family throughout the continental United States. After retirement they traveled to Hawaii & Alaska as well as Egypt, Croatia, Turkey, numerous countries in Europe and United Kingdom. Lanea also continued her interest in advancing medical science, health issues and took pride in maintaining her RN License until 2016. Throughout her adult life, Lanea was a wonderful wife, mother and a person that was always concerned about others. She enjoyed decorating her home for the changing seasons, loved to plant flowers, but the biggest joy and love in Lanea’s life was spending time with her family. She is beloved by her husband, children, grandchildren & grandpuppies and will be truly missed by all.
Lanea is survived by her husband and three adult children, Lanette R. Micheletti, LeAnn R. Baker, R. Todd Ruffaner and her eight grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, two brothers, Wayne G. Gaffney and Dale Gaffney.
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Brenda Nichols says
November 18, 2021 at 5:44 pmLanea was the epitome of a first class women. I remember her fondly from Trinity Episcopal Church. My thoughts are with the family.
Stephen Mendez says
November 18, 2021 at 9:22 pmI am so sorry…your mom was the best…my heart goes out to you all
Tim Heitzman says
November 18, 2021 at 9:46 pmLanea is part of the fond memories I have of when I was training to become a Paramedic in Williamsport. She was first class all the way. Please accept my condolences and may she rest in peace.
Patrice says
November 18, 2021 at 11:19 pmI worked with Lanea for several years at Williamsport Hospital. She was a wonderful person. Smart, caring and very kind to all. She loved her family so much. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest in peace Lanea.
Joseph Waclawski says
November 20, 2021 at 12:46 amI had the privilege of spending much of my youth with the Ruffaner’s, and I always considered them my second family. Mrs. Ruffaner was like my second mom. I think about those times often with a smile. I am very saddened to hear of Mrs. Ruffaner’s passing. Mr. Ruffaner, Lanette, LeAnn and Todd will be in my prayers. I hope they find comfort and peace in knowing she was a wonderful person who was very much loved, and touched so many in a very positive way. God bless you and keep you, Mrs. Ruffaner.
Anne Lehman Lysaght says
November 20, 2021 at 12:35 amLanea and I walked to Clay in first grade before we moved to South Side and we’re both active in Gurl Scouts. We were reacquainted in high school when we moved back to Williamsport. Bob, you were a great couple. My prayers are with you and your family.
Nancy Andre says
November 22, 2021 at 5:15 amFor Bob & Family,
We join with you in celebrating Lanea, and her life.
I remember wearing her student nursing uniform for Halloween in junior high. She taught me how to change diapers and how to peel and devein shrimp. I watched her joy, standing our 4-month- old Bucky on her knees and bouncing him until they both laughed. And her welcoming warmth and kindness has been a constant over the decades when we visited Pennsylvania.
We thank God for Lanea and pray He brings to mind wonderful memories to soothe your hearts.
With Love, Chuck & Nancy
joe detelj says
November 22, 2021 at 3:34 pmBob and family: We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our sincere condolences to you and your family
Thomas Ruffaner says
November 22, 2021 at 7:09 pmBob and Family,
Lanea has been a blessing to so many during her life. She dedicated herself to helping others with a conviction that few can match. Her dedication to family, career, church and community are an inspiration to me. I can always remember the good times we had when Bob and Lanea visited me in Minneapolis and the times I came to Pennsylvania to visit them. I can also remember her kindness and sense of humor as days go by without her nearby. She will be remembered with love.
Tom
Ginny and Joe English says
November 23, 2021 at 5:02 pmBob and Family,
Joe and I want to extend our sincere condolences to you. We were sorry to hear of your loss. Lanea made the world a better place. We will remember her cheerful and friendly smile. May God give you comfort and the wonderful memories erase your sadness.
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