Yvonne Lurita Rafuse - 73, of New Ross, Lunenburg County, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 8, 2011 in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, with her family by her side. It is with great sorrow that we say good-bye to a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Yvonne was predeceased by her parents, Asaph and Elsie Lantz; her husband, Bruce Rafuse; a brother, Elmer Lantz; a grandson, Travis Bruce Parsons. Yvonne is survived by her daughter, Corinne (Travis) Parsons, Mahone Bay; sons, Darren (Coral) Rafuse, Kentville; Desi Rafuse, New Ross; sisters, Norma (Leon) Turner, New Ross; Uldine (Campbell) McNeil, Kanata, Ontario; Heather (Noel) Penney, New Ross; four grandchildren whom she adored, Julia, Jenna, Cameron and Paige; many nieces and nephews. She spent several years living in Germany, due to her husband being in the military. She worked for several years at Imperial Oil, Halifax as a secretary and later worked for National Sea Products, Lunenburg for 10 years. She was a very dedicated member of the New Ross Baptist Church and Auxiliary. She was an excellent organist and an outstanding cook. Her most enjoyable times were her Sunday meals with her whole family, which gave her so much happiness. Her most favourite times were the many hours that she loved to talk with her friends and family, either on the phone or in person. Yvonne touched our lives in so many wonderful ways and our loss will be felt forever. Visitation was held from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, February 10, 2011 in the New Ross Baptist Church, where the funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 11, 2011, Reverend David Hine officiating. Burial was for the immediate family only in the New Ross Baptist Cemetery. Following the burial, a reception was held in the Royal Canadian Legion, New Ross. Family flowers only, by request. Donations in memory may be made to the New Ross Baptist Church or the New Ross Baptist Cemetery Fund. A special thank-you to Dr. Mulherin and Dr. Barry as well as the staff of the Valley Regional Hospital for all of their care and compassion during Yvonne’s illness. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com