Maria Ruffin

Dear Joe and children,
My fondest memories of Maria are our occasional discussions about music education for our children. She always felt this an important part of their lives, as I do, and she especially identified with my daughter, Christie, a cellist. Of her many gifts, the desire to be a godly wife and mother is the richest. "Some blithe spirits must soon grace the high courts of heaven"... The Lord lift you up and comfort you.

JOE, PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN MY PRAYERS. MAY YOU FIND PEACE IN OUR LORD, AS I HAVE, IN THIS YOUR TIME OF NEED. LOVE YOUR FRIEND, JOANN

Dear Joe and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your lovely wife and mother, Maria. She was a delightful woman and very special to all around her. I feel fortunate to have been in her presence and benefited from her joy-filled spirit.

Joe,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

We will always have fond memories of the time spent chatting with Maria while waiting for Zack & the girls to finish their OYO rehearsals. When Zack was able to drive himself, that was a part of our week that we really missed. Maria was a gem and we are heartbroken for your loss. We are sorry that we were unable to attend the funeral, but from all accounts, it was a beautifual celebration of her life, with her artwork and the music of Maria Belen and Diana.
Blessing to you all,

Joe & Family
Maria was GOD'S GIFT to all of us, she lives on in each of you and she will never, ever be forgotten.

We offer our deepest sympathy for your loss. Maria had such a kind and bright spirit. She cared so much for her family, life, and music. We've all been blessed greatly to have shared time with her.
Love, Joe and Ava Young

Dear Ruffin Family,
Our hearts go out to each of you at this very painful time. Maria was a beautiful and kind woman. May God's love and peace ease your sorrow now.
Maggie Pitt-Helm & Gracy Helm

Joe and children, we were so saddened to hear of your loss. We know that Maria Elena is now with the Lord. May God comfort you and accompany you through this loss of your dear wife and mother.

Joe, Maria Belen, Diana, Daniel and Montserrat,

My heart is broken for you and you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

What a blessing Maria was in your lives and in ours. I will always remember her smile and happy heart. She always had such a positive attitude and her love for you was immeasurable. She will truly be missed.

To Joe and the Ruffin Family:

Truely I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I'm led to share the story that Billye Brim shared when her father decided to go home with the Lord. It happened a few days before 9/11, she was in Russia and did not know he had passed. A word of knowledge was given to her letting her know of his transition and that he was there at that time because a great multitude of people would be coming in that would be in need and his new assignment was starting. This brought great comfort because it just confirmed again that we live on and that our loved ones in the Lord we will see again. And as we move from place to place here on the earth, so to we can move from here to eternity. God Bless and keep you and your family during this time. Our prayers and love are continually with you.

To Joe and the Ruffin Family:

My life will never be the same.

Maria touched my heart and showed me how to see God's beauty in everything. I will always celebrate her life because of her desire to generously share the gift of God with everyone.

Dear Joe, Maria, Diana, Daniel and Montse. Our children have sat next to and traveled to so many performances together, giving me a chance to know and love all of your kids. I am so sorry for your loss. I too remember the trip to DC, and your relating to me Maria's trip in the night to bring the kids back from Dallas. She was a special special woman. Your family always inspired me, either to keep on truckin' or to laugh out loud. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers to all of your family.

Joe,
Please know you, your children, Maria's and your family are in my prayers. May His everlasting love bring you a sense of peace and ultimate healing.

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss and will have you all in my thoughts and prayers in the tough days ahead.

My favorite memory of Maria was when our kids went on a school trip to Washington DC. My daughter was in the room with Belen, Dianna and Maria. Due to weather, their flight home was cancelled. I talked to my daughter and then she handed the phone to Maria. She assured me that my child would be taken care of the same as her own two. And she was. They got the last four seats on the flight to Dallas and then couldn't get a flight home in time for them to get back to school for the girls and work for Maria. She rented a van and drove them all home safely arriving at a ridiculous hour of the morning.

As we got to know each other better over the years, I realized that selfless acts of generosity and love were the rule and not the exception.

Mr. Ruffin, Belen, Diana, Daniel, and Montse,
I've never known anyone who has brought more joy to the lives of all those around her than Mrs. Ruffin. I'm sure that God is very happy to have her with Him now. Your entire family is in my prayers.

Joe, we are so blessed to have known Maria. Through her passion for life, family and music, she invigorated many of us and especially our young musicians at Classen. I'll always remember her laughter that cheered up a room. How lucky we are to have been graced by her presence. She loved all of you unconditionally and it now shows in your beautiful family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Joe,
So very sorry to hear the news. We have cherished our times together. Know that you will continue to be in our prayers

Joe and family,
Maria was one of the most special people that we have ever known. My families' prayers and love are with you and the children.

our thoughts are with you and your children. mike and cathy

Your family is in our prayers. We know your her loving spirit will live on through her beautiful children.

What a privilege to know Maria and the entire Ruffin family. My favorite memory of Maria is when the married couples at First Church had a line dance party at the Presbyterian Church. Maria instructed all of us in the original Macarena dance ( our Okie version wasn't quite right ). What a wonderful time we had. I love Maria and I love the family.

Joe,

I am so so sorry to hear about Eleana. Even thoughh I knew her for a short period of time, I knew she was a beautiful woman inside and out. And how strong she was. What a loss. Please contact me when you can. Paul and I would love to hear from you. We are in Phoenix until the end of April. Give my love to your adorable children

Joe and Family,
So sorry to hear about Maria passing away. She was a lovely lady and a very nice person. I'm glad that I got to meet and talk to her at our class reunions. You and your family are in our thoughts.

To: Joe and Ruffin Family - you are all very dear to me. Maria Elena was a very special friend. May God bless and comfort you all.

Joe I my heart goes out to you at this very difficult time. Your love for her would shine as you talked about Maria when you came to donate blood. It reallly touched my heart when shaved your head, that kind of love is rare.
Kathy

Joe & Kids,
So very sorry to hear about Maria Elena's passing. God bless & comfort you and your family during this most difficult time.

Joe & family - we are saddened to hear of Maria's passing - Robin and I just talked about you guys last week, she was making home made tamales & I shared with her the time our families had lunch together at your house and that we had tamales. These are the great memories we'll cherish until we meet again in glory. Praying for you all, love you, Linda & Steve Faw Faw

Joe and your lovely family,
So so sorry to hear that Maria passed on to be with our lord. So glad we were able to see and visit with you all last summer at our class reunion. What a lovely lady.
Just know your "old" friends are thinking of you and praying for your family.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

God bless you Maria. Your outlook was always so inspiring. May God take care of your wonderful family in your physical absence. Please know that we love you and look forward to seeing you again.

Joe and Kids,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Even though we haven't seen each other in a while, my heart goes out to each of you. Praying for the comfort only Jesus can provide.

My dearest and closest friend, I will miss you. The many times we spent time together walking and talking about our families and sharing our walk with God were special. I know you stand before the Lord who says "well done, good and faithful servant..."