Myra Lucille (Hartman) Sarafin, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and wife, passed away on September 10, 2026, at the age of 94. She was ushered into heaven with her family by her side, surrounding her with singing.
Born on November 24, 1931, in Lancaster, Ohio, Myra graduated from Lancaster High School in 1949 and earned her B.A. in Business Administration from The Ohio State University in 1953. An avid Ohio State fan, she loved watching Buckeye football and basketball and wore the Buckeye gear to show her pride.
On October 22, 1955, Myra married Raymond Charles Sarafin. She supported Ray during his service in the Air Force as a fighter pilot. They moved often during their early years together, eventually settling in Mansfield, Ohio, where they lived for over 50 years and raised five daughters. She and Ray were married for 53 years until his passing in 2008.
Myra lived out her faith in service and charity. A faithful follower of Jesus, she prayed for her family every day. Patriotic at heart, Myra deeply loved her country throughout her life. Her heart for service extended globally, supporting and regularly writing to sponsored children she supported through World Vision and Food for the Hungry. She was an avid gardener who loved growing roses and flowers. A tremendous cook, she fed her family for years, passing her skills down to her five daughters, with her buttermilk pancakes and potato salad being true family favorites. She was an excellent seamstress and pianist.
Myra was preceded in death by her husband Raymond, her parents, Carl and Bertha Hartman, her sister Doris (Jim) Goncher, and her brother Bob (Harriet) Hartman.
She is survived by her five daughters and their families: Lisa (Chuck) Sheridan and their daughters Stephanie and Nicole; Lori (Phil) Blum and their children Zach, Lindsey (Kevin), Nate (Chloe), and Danielle (Blake); Ellen (Bob) Zimmerman and their children Matthew (Caitlin), Marie (Kevin), and Julia (Dylan); Cathy (Patrick) Schumer and their children Evan (Lily), Nick (Maria), and Ellie; and Sandra Sarafin. She is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
The family extends special thanks to her hospice nurse, Ai Ly, hospice aide Shenille, Gables nurse Annie, and the other nurses and staff at The Gables of Westerville.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 18 at the Snyder Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel, 2553 Lexington Ave, Lexington, Ohio 44904. The family will receive friends from 10 am – 11 am. A celebration of her life will begin immediately following. Graveside burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Myra’s name may be made to World Vision, Food for the Hungry, or Samaritan’s Purse.
Only one life, ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.
C.T. Studd, missionary
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Myra’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence on her obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com