Jean Rufty Funderburk (February 26, 1936 – June 18, 2026) was born in Bald Creek, NC (Yancey County) to William Ernest and Sarah Lee (Wright) Rufty.  She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, in-law, and friend.

Jean was an avid reader, bridge player, caterer, volunteer, traveler, seamstress and social butterfly with a gift of building close friendships everywhere she lived.  She was known for never passing on a challenge, although she used a more colorful term for it.

Growing up as the daughter of a Methodist minister, she was the youngest of three girls and quickly adapted to making new friends due to the family’s frequent moves.  She graduated from the former High Point College, where she was a member of Phi Mu sorority and remained connected to many friends as a Steel Magnolia alumni club member.

Her early career was as a junior high and high school teacher, favoring history. During her early teaching days, she met Otto Funderburk on a blind date to play bridge, they were married five months later and enjoyed 64 wonderful years together. They welcomed daughters Michelle (Caldwell) and Amy (Greg Cutt) and son Greg (Christine).  During the kids’ school years, she was a substitute teacher and volunteer in many activities, including leading the Guilford County (NC) Girl Scout Cookie drive for several years and becoming state Governor of Pilot Club International, of which she became a 50+ year member.  She also served many lay roles in the various churches the family attended through the years, and led Bible Study in her newest community.

Jean was known as a superb hostess, whose events were always full of camaraderie, laughter, and scrumptious food.  From small groups to meals for hundreds and even turning over her home with a two-hour notice to the pledge class from UNC’s KD sorority when snow prevented them from travelling to their destination, she always welcomed guests with a warm smile and perfect timing.

Jean and Otto made it a mission to show their children the United States.  Although the kids left home for college with 43 states under their belts, a 2023 trip to Alaska completed the goal of all 50 states for Michelle and her parents, while Amy and Greg had already accomplished that goal. They also traveled in Canada, Mexico, Europe and the Caribbean, always looking for the local history, culture and cuisine to fully immerse themselves in the places they visited.

Jean is survived by her loving husband, Otto; her three children; her adored grandchildren Will and Caroline Caldwell and Morgan and Parker Cutt. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters Edith Cline (Bob) and Inez Dickson (Harley). An extended family of nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends both old and new will also miss her.

A Celebration of Life honoring Jean will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 1, 2026 at the Community Church at Lake Wylie, 104 Hamilton's Ferry Road, Lake Wylie, SC.  A reception will be immediately following. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you please consider a donation in Jean’s memory to Via Health Partners of Fort Mill, SC, or the charity of your choice.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.