Ernestine (Teen) C. Ruff

Ernestine (Teen) C. Ruff, 82, died at her home in Bridgeport CT, May 20, 2020 after a brief illness. She was born on November 20, 1937 in Newberry SC, to the late George and Inez Chaplin. She attended Newberry Public Schools and Gallman High School.

She was a long-time member of the Mount Aery Baptist Church and the Eastern Star, New York Chapter. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, loved to cook for family and friends, and selflessly did for others before she would do for herself. 

She worked in the health care industry, as a nurse’s assistant, and retired after 50+ years from Sylvan Manor Convalescent Home. She continued working, contracting cleaning services for the offices of Dr. Lawrence Lipton, Dr. Paul Rockoff, and Dr. Robert Markowitz.

She was pre-deceased by her husband, Elbert Ruff Sr, and a daughter, Betty Ruff; two brothers, James Chaplin and Daniel Chaplin, five sisters, Mabel Jeter, Johnnie Chaplin, Lillian Harp, Melinda Chaplin, and Georgia Brown. In addition, she was pre-deceased by four brothers-in-law, Eugene Brown, John Harp Sr., Lawrence Williams, and Grady Jeter.

Ernestine leaves to honor her memory three children, Bernice (Bonnie) Ruff, of Bridgeport CT, Elbert Ruff Jr, of Provincetown MA, and Lisa Ruff, of Bridgeport CT;  and a step-son, Thaddeus Brayboy, of Bridgeport CT, four grandchildren, Latifah Ruff of Meriden CT, Calvin Johnson of Las Vegas NV, Davon Jefferson of Bridgeport CT, and David Jefferson of Raleigh NC, a special nephew, Terrence Brown and twelve great-grandchildren. She leaves two sisters, Mildred (Al Dyer) of Raleigh NC, Louvenia Williams, of Newberry SC, and one sister-in-law, Annie Chaplin of Irmo SC, and a host of nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

To our mom, you were nurturing, caring and protective of all us and for that we love you.
Thanks for being there when you were needed; we cherished you. 

A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 11 AM at Welch Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic the family request those in attendance be mindful of the Social Distancing Rule.  

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