Sally Stauffer Bures, loving mother and caring friend who touched so many through her acts of tremendous generosity and kindness, died peacefully on Thursday, January 28th.
Sally is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Ray and Leslie Bures, daughter Renee Bures, granddaughter Lily Bures, “Shared Holiday” daughter Niecy Houston, and sister Cynthia Griffith. She was predeceased by sisters Nancy Myer and Peggy Pilon.
Sally was born on Easter Sunday to loving parents, Robert and Sally Stauffer, and her life unfolded in the small community of Leola, Pennsylvania. Early on, she experienced caring relationships with teachers in a small school and the guidance of an affirming faith congregation at Leola United Methodist Church, both of which became guiding influences in her life.
A graduate of Upper Leacock High School and Bucknell University, she had degrees in both English and Religion.
As Executive Director of the Lancaster Parish Resource Center, Sally found an outlet for both her faith and educational background. During her 27 years with the organization, she developed a deep friendship with founder Douglas Whiting, and together with a wonderful team, they provided the greater faith community with much needed resources and support. The center served 275 congregations from 30 different faith traditions.
A long-time member of the Rotary Club of Lancaster, Sally also enjoyed being a mentor at McCaskey High School.
Those who were blessed to know Sally most likely experienced the fact that she never hesitated to ask a question. She had a knack for quickly and deeply getting to know you and a flair for writing meaningful letters and notes. You knew immediately when you received one of her cards, as her beautiful and distinct handwriting was unmistakable. It was Sally’s gift of listening and her insatiable love for connecting through correspondence that enriched many precious friendships.
Sally leaves a legacy of love through her many acts of kindness and giving and will continue to be an inspiration to all those she touched.
A memorial service will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Gifts in Sally’s name may be made to the Love Fund of the Leola United Methodist Church, 7 West Main Street, Leola, PA. 17540.
Deb Wynn-Ryan
Ray and family I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Your mother is definitely memorable I may not have seen her recent years but will always remember her kindness and bubbly personality. Sending you healing prayers and have comfort in knowing that your mother will always be with you.
Kris Folgner
Dear Ray and Renee,
Such sad news, your Mom was so much fun whenever I was at your home. She always had an activity planned for Renee and I- the gingerbread houses were my favorite. Sally was the “cool” Mom out of all of my friends. She wore a bikini at Mt Gretna lake, had power windows in her Rivera and let you guys hang those 70’s glass beads in your bedroom doorways. But mostly, she made me feel like I had important and interesting things to say as a kid. She had a way of asking questions and listening that was remarkable and so engaging. I treasure those memories and remember her fondly.
My heart goes out to all of you.
Kris Anstee Folgner
Vern Anstee
Sally was a dear friend through all the years I was a member of Leola United Methodist church. She led the Adult Sunday School class for many years and always held lively interesting discussions.
Later, my current wife, Donna and I had the pleasure of sharing a number of lunches with Sally at the Greenfield Inn. Sally was larger than life! She will be missed by
everyone who knew her. Farewell, dear friend.
Fondly, Vern and Donna Anstee
Paul Quinn
Sally was a fellow Lancaster Rotarian who lived Rotary’s “Service Above Self” motto. Always involved, caring, smiling, she contributed greatly to our club’s ability to make a difference in our community and beyond. She will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathies to her family. Rest In Peace sweet Sally.
David Loughery
Sally was dear friend and supporter of me for over30 years. We connected when I moved to Lancaster as District Superintendent of the UMC. Always a supporter of my efforts as DS we enjoyed many conversations about the church and social issues.
When I went through a divorce Sally was there as a listening ear and offered her support. I was privileged to lead the the Parish Resource Center for several years and again enjoyed her support and friendship.
I enjoyed having lunch with her and when I moved to Florida our periodic phone calls.
When I didn’t get a Christmas card this year I sensed something was wrong. I am sorry I didn’t get to talk with her one more time.
She was such a good friend and supporter and leader in the UMC and Lancaster church community.
There is so much more I could say about this wonderful woman. God bless Sally
Dave and Jill Loughery
Rod geist
I was Sally’s mailman in Murray hill for many years. We would have many conversations by the mailbox which I enjoyed. She was a very classy lady. I was truly moved when she gave me a gift when I retired. May she Rest In Peace
Jim & Janet Myer
Dear Ray, Renee & Cynthia,
We offer our sympathies on the loss of your Mother and Sister. Janet and I knew Sally well as fellow graduates at Upper Leacock. Sally and I went to school all 12 years together and to Leola Methodist during our childhood thru high school. We sang in the choir together. Sally was a special, one of a kind lady and we will miss her greatly. Your obituary captured her nature and her love to encourage others–either in person or via mail. And to lose Aunt/sister Peggy within the last months is devastating. I pray the Lord give you strength and comfort in the days to come.
Cynthia Griffith
Dear Jim and Janet,
Thank you so much. Now all three of my wonderful sisters are gone, but I have such happy memories of all of them to hold onto. As the youngest “brat” of the family I learned so much from them and certainly enjoyed our travels together.
Again thank you for your kind thoughts,
Cynthia
Dr. William Marshall
It was with sadness that I became aware of Sally’s passing. She was a wonderful person and loyal member of the Rotary Club of Lancaster. Following meetings, we frequently spent time discussing the news of the day and what was happening in our respective families. She also found time to mentor students at McCaskey High School as they approached graduation. Sally was truly “one of a kind” and I will miss her friendship.
Dr. William Marshall
Debbie Boyle
Sally was truly a special person and client. She always enjoyed catching up with me and her cards were always welcomed and unique. She never missed the opportunity to send us at Harvest a card and let us know how special we were to her. She will truly be missed!!
Jennifer DeWalt
I am so saddened to hear of Sally’s passing. She was an incredibly sweet and caring woman and I very much enjoyed spending lunches with her at the Rotary Club of Lancaster and mentoring alongside her at McCaskey High School. The students all loved her dearly, as did her fellow Rotarians. She always took the time to make everyone feel welcome and truly get to know everyone. She will be missed!
Arisleyda Calderon
My heart is broken because we have lost a wonderful human being, but I know that heaven is dancing because Sally has gone home. Sally was a great mentor to my Rotary students and a good and caring person. I loved how at peace she made me feel. I will miss you dearly.
John Fisher
Sally was one of a kind! She demonstrated the love of Christ in her everyday actions. Whether she saw you at the store, church, camp, home…Sally always had time for you, always asked pointed questions, always loved everyone with amazing grace! I’ve never met a more loving, caring, giving person…ever!!! I thank God for blessing all of us with Sally and Earth’s loss is Heaven’s gain!
Edward Hauck & Stefanie Valar
We were in Rotary with Sally. Pre-pandemic, 180 of us lunched together each week. Her smile lit up the Farm and Home Center’s meeting hall when she arrived and the conversation at the table she chose to sit at would be graced with lively conversation mostly instigated by her.
Sally was a greatly respected and much beloved member of Rotary and the Lancaster community.
We are so sorry… Please know that your sense of loss is widely shared.
Dave Foulk
Family and Friends of dear Sally, I write to send my sincere condolences on the loss of this beautiful lady, whom I came to know well through our mutual service with Lancaster Rotary Club. So many Wednesdays at our weekly luncheons and program, I had the honor–and true enjoyment–of her company. I often sought out the table where she was seated, knowing there would be great conversation and her wonderful sense of humor. I can hear her laugh and see her smile as I write. Sally was a truly fine person, and I am so very thankful to have shared her in my life. She will be deeply missed.
Brian R Reitz
My sincerest condolences to the Bures family. Growing up in Lancaster, their family was a great part of my childhood and I only have wonderful memories of the time spent with them . All the best to Ray and Leslie as well as Renee and her family.
Jimmie Miller
I too count Sally as one of my most kind and dear friends and not just for all of the hugs and pecks on the cheek she seemed to give at all the right times. The kindness and empathy she freely gave as I struggled through the loss of our Rachel continued for 20 years. I will miss Sally and her caring soul.
Nancy Frush
Ray A. and Sally were on my mind the last couple weeks. I didn’t know why, but I thought maybe I should look them up. I noticed that the home in Neffsville was no longer their address. And then this morning I found Sally’s obituary. I am so sorry for your loss. I always appreciated her. She was very kind to me when I worked at H.M.S. Lovely person who lived her faith.
Steve Mentzer
The Mentzer family’s thoughts are prayers are with the Bures family. Sally was truly sincere and committed to her friends and family. She made her mark during her life in this world. Particularly in the Lancaster Community where she had many friends. She was a great help to me personally while I was associated with the Lancaster County Council of Churches. When I was elected to represent her as one of 62,000 constituents in the PA General Assembly she was always very supportive. She will be missed by all that knew her.
Anne Fisher Gossage
Sally has been part of my life and the life of my family for as long as I can remember. She was a leader in the Leola Methodist Church in which I grew up; she was the mother of my childhood friend, Renee; and she was the life-long best friend of my own mother, Peggy Fisher. Fulfilling a promise made over thirty years ago, she has been a stand-in mother and mentor to me since my own mom passed. Sally taught me many wise things over the years, always the precise things I needed to hear at each particular time. She would know what those things were because she paid close attention and never lost touch, even as my adult life took me further and further from her and from my Leola roots. Thanks to all who have posted here. It is good to share these memories. Kris, the Mt. Greta reference certainly brought back some good times. We will miss her terribly.
Rita Waltz
Ray, Leslie, Renee, Lily and Cynthia; My thoughts and prayers have been with you all during this last year. I grew up across the street from Sally and her family along with worshipping at Leola United Methodist Church. She was always there before you knew you needed her! She was such an inspiration and mentor for everyone she met. I remember babysitting for Ray and Renee and watched them grow into wonderful adults. Cynthia, your family was a large part of helping me to be the person I am today. My love goes out to each one of you. May God’s Love always be with you.