Luz Esther Ruffle

Luz Esther Ruffle age 85, passed away Saturday, July 23, 2022. She was originally from Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. She was a graduate of University of Puerto Rico in 1956 and Indiana University in 1958. Lulu was married on April 28th, 1962, to Joe Ruffle. A Puerto Rican and a Hungarian joined together by God. Joe would lovingly refer to his kids as "Hungaricans". Lulu was an accomplished cook of Puerto Rican cuisine and fervently threw herself into mastering her husband's favorite Hungarian recipes, with the tutelage of her mother-in-law, Margaret Janvary. There were many heavenly years of cabbage rolls, marzetti, chicken noodle soup, kiflis and kolache. She was also introduced to the infamous "Hungarian bacon fry". Lulu was a natural. She cut peppers, onions, and tomatoes with the best of them and dripped bacon grease on the assembled breads like a pro. Lulu relished the burnt bacon and sausage ends. She was able to incorporate these two cultures into a weekly buffet of delicious meals for family dinner. Yes, the entire family sat down and ate dinner. Together. Luz, or Lulu as she was known to many, had a variety of passions that ranged from her love of family to political causes and everything in between. She would make amazing flower arrangements using flowers from her own garden. Lulu's knowledge of flowers was such that she was able to plant flowers in her yard so that something was always blooming throughout the year. She could grow anything. Lulu also relished in the variety of birds and other wildlife she would encounter as she admired her garden. Lulu was a warrior for her faith. Born and raised catholic, she was always a devoted follower of the sacraments of the church. She was reaffirmed in the church and took the enthusiasm for her faith to an entirely new level. She studied scripture. She attended retreats. She journaled, reflected, and taught classes. She lived and breathed her faith daily. Most of all, Lulu actively shared her faith with others, and she prayed for EVERYONE. Her mission was to share God's word in a way that would engage other hearts and help lead them to our heavenly Father. Luz, whose name means "light" was a Wife. Mother. Daughter. Sister. Aunt. Friend. She was also Saved. She never worried about herself and eternal life. In fact, when she was introduced to the staff and residents of Ashley Manor Assisted Living Facility, she said, "My name is Luz, and I'm the light of the world." Her concern was always the salvation of others, particularly those she loved. She was a supporter of Priests of the Sacred Heart, Our Mother of Perpetual Help and Catholics United for Life. Preceded in death by husband, Joseph Richard Ruffle; parents, Rafael and Isabel Martinez; sister, Priscilla Martinez; brother-in-law, Jaime Cajiao, and nephew, Jaimito Cajiao. Survived by daughters, Marjorie Elizabeth "Margie" (Susan Huff) Ruffle, Jocelyn Marie "Joce" (Robert) Swords; son, Joseph Rafael "Joe" (Holly) Ruffle; grandchildren, Robert "Robby" (Brennan) Swords, Lacey (Rory) Fleek, Abby, Kate, Ava, and Joey Ruffle, Preston and Parker Huff; great grandchildren, Ruby Swords, Rory Fleek; sisters, Falyn Martinez, Matilda Cajiao (Martinez); brother, Rafael (Nery) Martinez; sister-in-law, Mary (Tom) Deibel; nieces and nephews, Linda, Sharon, Melissa, Rosemarie, Abnerys, Milagros, Jose, Alberto; numerous friends and relatives. Friends may call Monday, August 1, 2022, 4-7 PM EVANS FUNERAL HOME 4171 E. Livingston Ave. Funeral Mass Tuesday, August 2, 2022, 10:00 AM Church of the Ascension 555 S. Main St. Johnstown. Father Stephen Smith celebrant. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Johnstown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tranquility Hospice 1949 W. Central Ave. Suite C Delaware, OH 43015. Descansa en paz.
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