Dena Ruffin

After 63 years of life, Dena Sue Ruffin (Krutsinger) peacefully passed away on October 29, 2016 in Humble, Texas surrounded by her family.

In death, she is reunited with her father, Harlas; her mother, Eileen and her step-mom, Sammie. Dena is survived by her loving husband, Ricky Ruffin; daughter, Chrissy Watson and husband Troy; son, Josh Ruffin and wife Casey, son, Mark Ruffin and wife Bay; daughter, Sara Ruffin; grandchildren, Aden and Lane Watson, Carson, Parker and Rhett Ruffin; brothers, Garry Krustinger and wife Pam, Norman Krutsinger and wife Cathy, Russell Krutsinger and wife Phoebe and several loving nieces and nephews.

Dena Sue Krutsinger was born on August 25, 1953 in Salem, Illinois to parents Harlas and Eileen. Dena tragically lost her mother when she was 11 years old, but the formative experiences Dena had with Eileen coupled with the love of her step-mom, Sammie, provided Dena with a vision of the kind of mother she wanted to someday become. Dena graduated from Kinmundy-Alma High School in 1971. She was called to a career of nursing and followed her brother, Norman, to Texas. While working as a nurse, Dena was introduced to her patient's son, Ricky, who she would marry in 1984, becoming a step-mom to Chrissy. Ricky and Dena had three more children together: Joshua, Mark, and Sara. Dena's children were the light of her life.

Dena was a devoted mother, attending all of her kids' ball games, concerts, events and serving as their biggest cheerleader. Her kids could count on her support in whatever endeavor they pursued. She taught them about love, respect, kindness and hard work. She even served as a second mom to many of her children's friends. Whether they were spending time together at the baseball field or camping at Garner State Park, the Ruffin family was held together by the unending love and support of Dena Sue.

Dena worked passionately at Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital for 36 years as a nurse and department manager. Dena's heart was perfectly suited to a career of service. She brought comfort to countless patients and was a great role model for future nurses.

In May of 2012, Dena redefined strength as she began her fight with ovarian cancer. Despite being retired, Dena became a CanCare volunteer, serving as a lighthouse for others with cancer during their battles while continuing to fight her own. In her months of remission, you could find her in the infusion clinic sitting with patients during chemo, sharing stories, smiles and snacks.

Ricky and Dena remarried in October of 2012 and enjoyed their years of retirement by traveling, spending time with family and watching their 5 grandkids grow. Dena was eager to meet her 6th grandchild, Rollie, in December. Although she is no longer in pain, Dena leaves behind a growing family and many dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

A funeral was held November 4, 2016 at Rosewood Funeral Home. Tuffy Loftin officiated the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance in Dena's memory.