Haroldene Elora Ryff

Haroldene Elora Ryff (Seneker, Yocom), age 97, of Jackson, MI went home to be with Jesus on April 1, 2024. She was born to Harold and Neva (Dare) Seneker in Marionville, MO on June 23, 1926.

Haroldene is survived by her son David (Pamela) Yocom of Clio, MI; grandson Benjamin (Leslie) Yocom; great-grandchildren Alexzander, Zoey, Tucker and Gatlin Yocom all of Clio, MI; nephews Steve and Karl Seneker and their families. She is also survived by a host of dear friends who became like family in the years following her move to Jackson in 1987, especially Charles and Sharon Mohlman, Shiva and Lavanya, Carla Koontz, and Sheila and Ed Crandell.

As a youngster, Haroldene was involved in 4-H. Sewing was one of her hobbies and at age nine her entry won a blue ribbon for “best garment made by anyone under 16.” Other hobbies included reading, knitting and jigsaw puzzles.

Haroldene graduated as valedictorian from Marionville High School in 1944 and continued her education at Greenville College (IL), receiving a bachelor’s degree in 1948. She began her teaching career at Flint (MI) Community Schools in 1949 and, while teaching, in 1953 earned her master’s degree in Home Economics from Michigan State University. Haroldene taught in Flint until her retirement in 1981, at which time she began volunteering at the Michigan Commission for the Blind.

During her 22-year marriage to Winfred Yocom, Haroldene adopted his two sons, David and Daniel, as her own. Over the years, she was privileged to visit 48 states and 11 countries including England, Scotland, Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa, many trips enjoyed with her beloved aunts Irma and Ruby Dare and dear friend Dorothy. In 1987, Haroldene relocated to the Jackson area where she had many friends from her days at Greenville College. She “hit the ground running” using her sewing skills for the first of more than half-dozen wedding ensembles, including a bridal gown and many bridesmaid dresses in ensuing years. She also became part of a knitting group that made over 90 hat and mitten sets to send overseas.

In 1991, Haroldene married Fred Ryff, a retired missionary. Fred preceded her in death in 1995. She was also preceded in death by her son Daniel and her brother Albert Seneker, as well as her parents.            

In 2012, Haroldene chose to move to Vista Grande Villa in Jackson, where she resided until her death. Special thanks to the caregivers there and those from Careline Hospice Health Group for their great care of our loved one during her last days.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Arbor Church, 120 E. Main St., Spring Arbor, MI on Friday, April 5, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation one hour before service.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Haroldene Ryff may be made to The Arbor Church, 120 E. Main St., Spring Arbor, MI 49283 or Careline Hospice Health Group, 801 Rosehill Rd., Jackson, MI 49202. 

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