Rufus C. Ogden, Jr.

Rufus Coleman Ogden, Jr., 79, of Lake City, died Sunday, February 20,2022, at his home, from Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Rufus was the son of Rufus, Sr. and Meriba Ferguson Ogden.

He is survived by his wife, Margie, and his children, Lesley Ogden (William Arens), Kedra Moreau (Paul), Brian Slanker (Kim), and Amy Slanker, and his grandchildren, Brittney Moreau, Valerie Marker (Robert), Seth Slanker, Hunter Keen, Lindsey Slanker, Leah Dwyer (Nate) and Caitlyn Moreau.

Rufus’ greatest love was for his family, an extended family that included the Mershon’s, Jeffrey & Jessica Mershon, Annette Nelson, Sharon Lyons (Jimmy), Alvin Mershon (June) and Steve Nelson (Tassie). He thoroughly enjoyed Sunday dinner at the Mershon home and sitting on the back porch there talking. Working with his cattle was his relaxation, even when he came in at night completely exhausted. He loved collecting old things and reminiscing about what they were and how they were used.

He stayed connected with his Class of 1960 classmates and loved them all. Rufus felt he had been blessed with the time he was granted in the end to meet with friends and family. He had the rare chance not given to many to say farewell to those he loved. He loved, and was loved by, so very many and will be missed beyond words.

He struggled greatly to understand the leukemia that caused his death because it took him away from the family and land that he so loved long before he was ready to leave. He fought a 2 ½ year battle with leukemia surpassing the doctors expectations

A graveside funeral service for Rufus will be conducted on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. in the Mt. Zion Cemetery (Off of Ogden Loop and Orange Pond Glen) with Rev. Hugh Dampier and Rev. Paul Moreau officiating. Interment will follow. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Wednesday evening, February 23, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

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