Visitation: 10 a.m. Oct. 14 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral. Funeral: 11 a.m. Oct 14 at the funeral home. Per June’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald house.
Wilma June “June Bug” (Putman) Kaufman, 85, died Oct. 4 while surrounded by her family at her home in Ozark. She was born in Fair Grove on Jan. 17, 1932, to Orin David and Mamie Mary (Coffey) Putman.
June graduated from Fair Grove High School in 1949, and went on to complete training at St. John's School of Nursing, later earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Drury University. After completing studies in Public Health Nursing at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, June helped to launch Christian County’s first public health program when she assumed the role of County Health Nurse in 1958. She also served as school nurse at Ozark Public Schools, where she started various programs including a Future Nurses Club, many of whose members went on to become Registered Nurses as well.
June later retired from nursing to manage Kaufman Furniture on the square in Ozark, where she worked tirelessly for many years, putting each of her sons through college and professional schools. In the mid 1980’s June retired from the furniture business and relocated to Springfield, where she owned and managed the Bath Shoppe in Camelot Center.
June loved and enjoyed her family above all else in life. She was the “glue” that always brought them together for holidays, birthdays and other special occasions. She was selfless to a fault, and was always a “giver” to the end. Her passing has left a deep void that will be felt from now on.
June was preceded in death by sister, Mary; sister, Leota; sister Jackie; and brother, Michael.
She is survived by her three sons and their wives: Bruce and Laura Lee of Springfield, Kim and Sandy of Springfield, and Scott and Ann of Ozark. She is also survived by her six grandchildren: Andy, Cory, Sam, Seth, Eric and Elizabeth.
