Magdalene Irene Ruhl Hefner Zink died Wednesday, May 30, 2012, after a battle with cancer. Born February 17, 1925, in Hamilton, Ohio, she was the only child of Frances (Frank) Bernard Ruhl, and Ida Philimena (Edith) Zink.
During WW II she worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” helping build planes for the war. She met the love of her life, Hugh M. Hefner, while he was serving in the Air Force. They lived in Lewisburg, WV, where they raised 4 children and had several foster children.
A graduate of Greenbrier College for Women in Lewisburg, WV, Concord College in Athens, WV, she also took classes from WVU to become a teacher. For years she taught grade school children in West Virginia and Ohio.
Along with raising her children she was active in her parish, St. Catherine of Siena, in Ronceverte, WV. After the death of her husband, Hugh, she moved back to Hamilton, OH, where she continued teaching and volunteering at St. Raphael, a social service agency to help others.
In 1973 she married Raymond Zink and lived with him in Wapakoneta, OH, until his death. She then moved back to Hamilton, OH.
Surviving cancer in 2004, she moved to Nixa, MO, to be closer to her daughter. As a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church she enjoyed being part of the Loving Stitches, a sewing group which makes quilts for those in need.
She is survived by her children and their spouses, Mary and Dan Skiles of Springfield, MO, Richard and Tammy Hefner of Cox’s Creek, KY, John and Clo Dameron of Orange Park, FL, and Rose Ann Hefner, CSJ, a member of the Congregation of St. Joseph in Charleston, WV, and her grandchildren, Nick Skiles, Heather Skiles, Marie Dameron, Herman Dameron, and Katrina Dameron.
Services are as follows:
Viewing: Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 822 S. Gregg Rd, Nixa, MO 65714 (PO Box 1920).
Funeral Mass: Also Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 11:00 a.m St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
Burial: Monday, June 4, 2012, 1:00 p.m. Mausoleum Chapel at St. Stephen Cemetery, 1314 Greenwood Ave., Hamilton, OH 45011.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to:
Least of These, Inc., 511 Kathryn Street, Nixa, MO 65714 or
ABLE Families, P.O. Box 1249, Kermit, WV 25674.
Online condolences may be made at: www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home East Springfield, MO.