GOSHEN -- Virginia T. "Jini" Rueff, 81, of Goshen, formerly of Elkhart, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010, at 10:10 a.m. at Goshen General Hospital after a lengthy illness.

She was born on Dec. 25, 1928, in Ames, Iowa, to the late Dr. Oral L. and Alice (Whiteford) Thorburn. On June 17, 1951, she married Joseph A. "Joe" Rueff in Ames. He survives at their Goshen home.

Also surviving are her daughter, Marcia (Richard) DeJesus-Rueff of Rochester, N.Y.; three sons, Michael (Elaine) Crauderueff of Havertown, Pa., Martin (Belita) Rueff of Overland Park, Kan., and Matthew (Mary) Rueff of Indianapolis; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A brother, Charles A. Thorburn, preceded her in death.

The family has planned a memorial celebration of Jini's life that will take place at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1732 Garden St., Elkhart, at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010. The Rev. Amy DeBeck will officiate. A dinner will be at the church following the service. In accordance with Jini's wishes, cremation has taken place. Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart is assisting the family with arrangements.

Jini's love for art and her artistic talents guided her throughout life. She was a 1947 graduate of Ames (Iowa) High School and received her BFA in 1951 from Kansas University. In 1966, she acquired her teaching certification from Goshen College and taught at Elkhart High School for three years. She was an accomplished artist and won numerous awards for her pastels. She was also an active member and docent of the Midwest Museum of American Art in Elkhart and a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Midwest Museum of American Art, 429 S. Main St., Elkhart, IN 46516.