Nancy Ruffer

December 2, 1931 - September 30, 2017
Nancy Ruffer

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Nancy Rose Ruffer, youngest daughter of Joseph and Marion Burk, died peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of Saturday, September 30th, 2017, in her home at Windsor Woods in Hudson, Florida. Born on the second day of December 1931, she graduated from Saint Veronica School in East Detroit, Michigan in 1949, and enrolled in Michigan Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University) thereafter, competing a Bachelor’s Degree in English.  While teaching at Center Line High School, she met Clon John Ruffer, also a teacher there; their first date was at a high school football game. Their marriage on April 14, 1955 lasted 54 years until his passing in 2009, and was blessed with five adoring children: Robert (of Ira, MI), John (of Hudson, FL), Nick (of Livonia, MI), Cheryl (of Canton, GA), and Julie (of Marietta, GA).  In addition to their children, she is survived by one sister (Katherine Sobieski, of Naples, FL) and eight grandchildren.

Nancy lived a life of serving others every day of her life, from teaching children in public schools, to raising her own, and eventually care giving for her husband late in his life.  She volunteered at the Hospice Thrift Store, distributed food to the needy through the Shares program at the Hudson Methodist Church, and served on the Board for Hudson Water Works for nearly 35 years.  Having endured early childhood through the Great Depression, she never took anything she had for granted, and was always careful to share what she had with those whose need was greatest.  Let there be no doubt: when she met her Maker on that fateful morning, she heard Him say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”  She will be missed deeply by her children, her extended family, her friends, and the community.


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  • October 05, 2017
    durwood horak says:
    I am the director of Hudson water works Nancy was more than a friend to me she was everything to me I worked with her for 15 years and 9 months and often seen her at least twice a week . She would come into my office and we would talk or simply go to lunch and talk . I feel like the luckiest person to have known her and have her for my friend . she was a giving person and a very very smart lady. she was right to the point and would not hesitate to correct you when she new you were doing something wrong . one would be blessed to have her as a mother and a friend . she was dedicated to Hudson water works until the day she passed. And an asset that cannot be replaced . I loved her like a mother and respected her like the leader that she was. She is missed by me every day and the entire staff including the board of directors of Hudson water work I will never forget her and will charish her memories for the rest of my life she has earned a place in heaven and I am sure she is there with john chatting and laughing up a storm

  • October 05, 2017
    Conrado Nunez says:
    My name is Conrado Nunez, Nancy’s son-in-law, married to her youngest daughter Julie. No words will ever be enough to explain what an amazing woman Nancy was. I came to meet my wonderful wife and her family (now my family) not as early as most people get to. From the moment Nancy met my daughters and I, her heart was opened to us. To my daughters she was not "Julie's mom", she was Grandma Nancy. It has truly been a blessing to have known and loved such a beautiful soul. On our last visit together she brought with her a memorable gift for each of our girls. For my youngest daughters prom she gifted her stunning earrings to wear on her special day. The messages behind these beautiful, thoughtful gifts was always heard loud and clear, I LOVE YOU. She loved my girls as if she had known them from the day they were born… they were her grandbabies. No words could ever truly express the gratitude and love my daughters and I have for this remarkable woman. I'll always smile when I think back on the times she referred to me as her boyfriend (inside joke). Every time I saw her she had a thoughtful gift for me. She had a true heart of gold and not a day will go by that we will not think if her. “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” — Proverbs 31:25

  • October 10, 2017
    Carolyn Kirk says:
    I have had so many great memories of Nancy. I am blessed to have known her for almost 45 years. I have had many wonderful conversations with her and will cherish those memories forever. My deepest sympathy goes out to your entire family. I know she will be missed tremendously. Love and prayers to all of you.