Ivan Richard Puffenbarger, 82, of Blue Grass, passed away in the early morning hours of Friday, July 26, 2019 at his home.
He was born in Blue Grass on October 5, 1936, a son of the late Melvin R. and Thelma (Waggoner) Puffenbarger. On June 4, 1955, he married Sarah Eloise “Sis” Smith.
Ivan and wife, “Sis,” are the owners and operators of Puffenbarger’s Sugar Orchard. He was a member of the Highland County Chamber of Commerce and will be remembered as one of the biggest maple syrup producers in the area. As well as being the first in the area to begin “milking” his trees, the modern day process for gathering sugar water, which he started in 1959. He enjoyed greeting tourists and explaining the production of maple syrup. In addition to syrup he was a livestock farmer. When not collecting sugar water or farming, Ivan enjoyed hunting.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Sis; a daughter, Debra Ann Botkin and husband, Jerry; son, Douglas Gene Puffenbarger and wife, Terri, all of Blue Grass; three grandsons, Eric Puffenbarger and wife, Kim of Palmyra, Brad Puffenbarger of Charlottesville and Michael Botkin of Blue Grass; two great-granddaughters, Brielle and Abbigale Puffenbarger; brother, Roy Puffenbarger and wife, Sharon of Middlebrook; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a brother, Charles Puffenbarger.
A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, July 28, 2019 at Union Chapel Cemetery with Revs. Chip Hill and Andre Crummett officiating.
The family will receive friends at the homes of Sis or Doug at any time.
Active pallbearers will be Richie Hicks, John Michael Montgomery, Delmas, Scott and Bucky Smith, Robert Lambert and Robert “Barney” Warner.
Honorary pallbearers will be friends in attendance.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Highland County Rescue Squad, PO Box 268 or to Highland County Fire Department, PO Box 267, Monterey, Va. 24465.
Sunday, July 28, 2019
Starts at 3:00 pm (Eastern time)
Union Chapel Cemetery
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