About Mary R. Stauffer

Born Mary Ruth Schuh in 1917, the founder was the fourth-generation daughter of Lutheran Ministers. She was an outstanding student both in elementary and secondary school, graduating valedictorian at Bexley High near Columbus, Ohio. She went on to graduate top in her class at Capital University and Ohio State University College of Meicine. In 1943 she married Dr. Floyd Stauffer and together raised their five children in Downey. In the early 1950’s Dr. Mary opened her OB-GYN medical practice and was a pioneer in offering expecting mothers an educational program.

In early 1990’s Dr. Mary’s passion for education and philanthropy came together as the Mary R. Stauffer Foundation, a private educational foundation she personally funded to give back to Downey, the community where she enjoyed a successful medical practice.

Over the years the foundation has donated over $7 million to student awards and innovative learning projects. In 2014, the Downey Unified School District renamed West Middle School to the Mary R. Stauffer Middle School. At over 100 years old Dr. Mary still loved to visit with the students in Downey and will continue to inspire them through her foundation for many years to come.

This image is of Dr. Mary holding a tape art portrait of herself. This was given to her by an art teacher who was awarded a grant so her students could learn this type of artwork.

More information about the lives of Dr. Mary R. Stauffer and Dr. Floyd Stauffer can be found in the Congressional Records.

Mary’s 102nd birthday celebration. Program starts at 2:30, she is seated next to her daughter Janet Suzuki.

Mary’s 100th birthday celebration at Mary R. Stauffer Middle School