Rufina Boessen, age 91, of St. Thomas, passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2013, at St. Elizabeth Care Center. She was born in St. Thomas on March 10, 1922, daughter of the late John and Anna (Muehlenkamp) Gerling. In June of 1945, Rufina married William Bernard Boessen, who preceded her in death in June of 1988.

Rufina began working at the young age of 14 at the St. Thomas Bank and Post Office. She later worked at the Meta State Bank and served as treasurer of the St. Thomas Public Water District #5 until retiring in 2006 at the age of 85.

She was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.

She is survived by five children, Ellen Kliethermes and husband Bob of St. Elizabeth, Mary Kay Luetkemeyer and husband Gerald of Tuscumbia, William J. Boessen of St. Thomas, Michael Boessen and wife Nanette of Meta, and Douglas Boessen and wife Mary of Kansas; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Georgia Gerling of Kansas City.

She was also preceded in death by one brother and two sisters.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m., with Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at 11 a.m., on Monday, October 21, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Fr. Jeremy Secrist will officiate. Interment will be in St. Thomas Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Masses.