Ms. Lori "Harrison" Ruffin

Columbus - Lori Ruffin quietly and peacefully entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by her loved ones. Lori was born on March 5, 1964, to the union of Shirley and Clifford Harrison in Youngstown, Ohio.

At an early age, she united as a member of Third Baptist Church in Youngstown and carried her faith proudly throughout her life. Her favorite color was red, a perfect reflection of her bold, spirited, and loving personality. Fiercely devoted to her family and community, she embodied strength, warmth, and wisdom, leaving an impactful impression on all who were blessed to know her.

She graduated from The Rayen School in 1982 and furthered her academic pursuits at The Ohio State University matriculating in 1987 with a degree in Social Work. Lori dedicated her professional career to serving families through Columbus Public Health with the Help Me Grow program. She most recently served as the Public Health Program Manager III and the Director of Home Visiting. Her dedication to her work in governmental services served as a compass for those seeking guidance and support. Her compassion touched countless lives and made an indelible impact.

The casino was her happy place, and she never turned down a good game of Texas Hold 'Em. She was a true sports lover, especially loyal to The Ohio State Buckeyes and Steelers Nation. In high school, she shined as a volleyball player, and later in life, nothing brought her more joy than watching Torrie and Kayla play basketball. You could always count on her to be in the stands, watching and cheering with pride.

She loved to travel and especially enjoyed a good cruise, always ready for her next adventure. She was also a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. which fosters the ideals of service, charity and scholarship thereby promoting community-conscious and action-oriented results which were aligned with her personal mantra.

With cherished memories, Lori leaves her legacy entrusted to her loving daughters, Torrie Ruffin and Kayla Ruffin, both of Columbus, Ohio, and her devoted fiancé, Calvin Collins, who has shown unwavering love and support. She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings Terri (Wallace) Whipple, of Youngstown, Ohio; Cyrus (Beverly) Hawthorne, of Orlando, Florida; Aaron (Tamika) Hawthorne, of Columbus, Ohio; Eric Harrison, of Hagerstown, Maryland. Lori's best friends, Terri Kent and Carolyn Abbott, along with a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends, will forever hold her in their hearts.

As Lori crossed the celestial sands eternity, she was reunited in Heaven with her parents. Her life was full, her love was deep, and her legacy shall live on through all who were blessed to know her. Lori spirit lives on through her family and friends, along with the countless lives she touched along her journey. She will be forever missed but never forgotten, her laughter and love echoing in our memories like a sweet melody softly played.

In honor of Lori's life, the family invited the community at public calling hours and visitation at 9:00 AM on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the Third Baptist Church, 1177 Park Hill Drive, Youngstown. Her legacy will be publicly celebrated in service at 10:00 AM where Dr. Merlyn Ruffin will deliver a eulogy, recognizing the love and light that Lori brought into the lives of others.

Following the committal ceremony conducted by Rev. Lewis Macklin, Lori will be laid to rest among the peaceful vista of the Belmont Avenue Cemetery in Youngstown, Ohio, where she will find eternal serenity at a special place within the heart of her hometown. Lori- a beloved mother, sister, sister-in- love, aunt, cousin, friend and fiancée'- you are now home, so rest in peace. We will see you again, when we are called home to Glory.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Lori Ruffin elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.

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