Rufene Smith Wallwork, 87, of Penfield, NY passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at her home. Rufene was a 27 year cancer survivor.

Rufene was born at home in Ohioville, NY in 1930 to Rufus and Margaret Smith. She grew up in her beloved Ohioville the fifth of six children. She graduated from New Paltz High School in 1947 where she was the Women's Athlete of the Year. She then attended and graduated from Krissler Business Institute before marrying her husband, Joseph E. Wallwork, Sr. of Poughkeepsie, NY in 1954. Rufene worked at the Poughkeepsie YMCA and later, after raising her family, at Duchess Community College from which she retired in 1990.

Upon retiring, Rufene and Joe moved to Sarasota, FL. Later, they moved to Geneva, NY to spend time with her grandchildren before returning to Poughkeepsie. Rufene and Joe enjoyed many adventures during their retirement.

Rufene is predeceased by her husband of 62 years Joe, her brothers William Smith, Theodore Smith and sisters Gladys Briggs, Marion Coppola. She is survived her sister Lulu Bragdon, her sons Joseph Jr. (Cathi) and Richard, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren: Melisa Nobles, daughter Kelsey Nobles and son Nathan Hodge; Nicholas Wallwork (Megan Hein) and daughter Charlotte Wallwork; Daniel Wallwork, Catherine Wallwork, Alexander Wallwork, Julie Paradise (Thomas), and Jack Wallwork.

To honor Rufene’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A graveside service for family and friends will be held at the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery on Monday, April 16, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of the William G. Miller & Son Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.wmgmillerfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rufene S. Wallwork, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.