Mary Ellen Jennie Durfee

Mary Ellen Jennie Durfee, a devoted wife, loving, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2024 at the age of 83.

She was born on September 29th, 1940 in Patterson, New Jersey to Benjamin and Mary Scheffer. She married her school sweetheart, Bob, on October 26, 1957. She earned her nursing degree from Missouri Baptist School of Nursing while raising her young family and served as LPN, RN, school nurse and industrial nurse over the next several decades. As a compassionate and skilled nurse, she touched countless lives with her kindness and expertise. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her profession, as she was the heart of her family, always offering love, support, and wisdom.

Mary Ellen had a passion for travel and adventure, enjoying boating, cross-country motorcycle touring, cruising, exploring new places, and creating beautiful memories with her loved ones. Her adventurous spirit and love for life were evident in every journey she embarked upon.

She is survived by her beloved husband Robert “Bob” Durfee, her children: Robert (Patty) Durfee, Thomas (Julie) Durfee and David (Rowen) Durfee; grandchildren, Johnathan (Ashley) Durfee, Christopher (Kate) Durfee, and Jennifer (David) Cameron; great-grandchildren: Riley, Reagan, Felicity, Josiah and Ember; and brothers David Scheffer and Scott Scheffer and sister Candyce Scheffer.

Her legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew her.

A celebration of Mary Ellen’s life will be held on September 28 at 2 p.m. at Rainbow Forest Baptist Church, 1338 Rainbow Forest Dr, Troutville, VA 24175. In lieu of flowers, please order a memorial tree.

Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.