Rae Ellen (Bousum) Stambaugh

Rae Ellen (Bousum) Stambaugh, 71, of Middletown, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Friday, March 6, 2015 at the Harrisburg Hospital.  She was born Tuesday, August 24, 1943 in Huntingdon, PA to the late Raymond and Helen (Hetrick) Bousum.  She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Mark R. Stambaugh, Sr.

Rae graduated from Sewickley School of Nursing, and was an Air Force wife during her husband’s service. Most importantly she was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.  Rae raised two sons and a daughter, as well as two granddaughters. She is survived by 2 sons, Mark R. Stambaugh, Jr. and wife Emelia, and Scott A. Stambaugh and wife Audrey of Brunswick, GA; 6 granddaughters, Kyra and Serena Rizk of Middletown and Lydia, Nicole, Jacqueline, Christina Stambaugh of Brunswick, GA.  She was predeceased by a daughter, Lori S. Rizk in May 2014.

Rae was a recognized artist, recognized for her work with ceramics.  In addition to her artistry, she also taught ceramics and was a registered instructor for the Gayr and Duncan companies.  She enjoyed keeping her hands busy with an array of other crafts including jewelry making, beading, oil painting, and knitting.  Many of these craft projects she donated to charities, fund raising organizations, and to those in need.  She had a passion for cooking and has left an award winning recipe for apple pie for her family.

Rae was an organ transplant recipient and thrived for almost a decade due to the kindness of another donor, the skill and care of her doctors and nurses and the perseverance and dedication which hallmarked her personality. She recognized the gift that was given to her and worked to  increase the number of registered organ donors.

The family wishes to extend their thanks to the staffs and physicians at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville Florida, and Pinnacle Healthsystem in Harrisburg.

“Don’t cry for me when I have gone, for I have stayed longer than I desired, because of my love for all of you.  Please be happy for me that I have at last found peace.”

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 10th at 2 PM at Rothermel Funeral Home, 25 West Pine Street, Palmyra, PA 17078 with Pastor Sipe officiating.  Burial will follow in Hershey Cemetery, Hershey.  Family and friends are invited for visitation from 1 PM until time of service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905.

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