Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
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Deaconess Catherine Martha Ann Ruffin, 93, residing in Sandusky, daughter of Jacob and Viola (Moody) Short was born February 2, 1924 in Columbus, Mississippi. Upon confessing Christ as her personal savior Catherine was baptized at Union Chapel Baptist Church and remained a faithful dedicated member until she and her family relocated to Sandusky, Ohio where she united with the Ebenezer Baptist Church under the pastorate of Pastor Harris.
Deaconess Ruffin is the mother of three children, Dudley (Jocelyn) Harris, Catherine Woods, and Annie (Curtis) Thorn, whom she loved unconditionally. Her children blessed her with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Deaconess Ruffin was a faithful member of Ebenezer Baptist Church for over sixty years where she used her God given talent to sing in various choirs in the church, a regular attendee of Sunday School and Wednesday Prayer Meetings. Catherine was a devoted 50 year plus member of the Busy Bees, a Deaconess, and a member of the Ebenezer Culinary Department. Catherine graduated from the Herron Beauty College, Toledo, Ohio. Following graduation, she became the owner and operator of Catherine's Beauty Shop. Catherine and other local beauticians formed a local club of beauticians called the "Fashionetts" this group later joined other groups of beauticians nationwide for meetings and conventions. Catherine held various positions on the local, state, regional and national level of beauticians.
Deaconess Catherine was a saved Christian woman who had no doubt to where she would spend eternity. She knew the Lord on a very personal level and her desire was for everyone, especially her family to get to know Jesus for yourself. On the eve of her homegoing she expressed her desire to be with her Lord, she stated "I'm just lying here waiting on the Lord" and another time she stated, "I'm satisfied with Jesus". May 26, 2017 the Lord dispatched His angel to bring His servant home. Welcome home thy good and faithful servant.
Preceding Deaconess Catherine on her transition are her parents: Jacob and Viola (Moody) Short; brothers Johnson, John, and Ezekiel Short; sisters Louberta Brown, Florence Jones, and Lizzie Morris.
The legacy of love from Deaconess Ruffin will live on through her son Dudley (Jocelyn) Harris, daughters; Catherine Woods and Annie (Curtis) Thorn. Her grandchildren; Nina Johnson, Christopher (Lori) Harris, Danielle Belmer, Patrice (Alfonso) Darden, Dawn Johnson, Keli Woods-Jordan, Branden and Jamal Combest, Renita, Shonta and Curtis Thorn II.
18 great grandchildren; Jermaine (Nicole) Harris, Chastity Johnson, Charles Johnson, Iris Johnson, Crysten Johnson, Terrence Johnson, Lorenzo Asher, Anthony Jones, Dionne Johnson, William Parker, Reese Rosin, Jenna Rosi, Jasmine Fischer, Alexandria Combest, Jamal Combest II, Maiya Combest, Shania Walls, Taylor Jordan and 21 great, great grandchildren, cousin; Rose Brown, relatives and friends.
Friends may call on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, from 10 A.M. until time of her Homegoing Services at 11 A.M. in Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1215 Pierce St., Sandusky. Rev. Clayton E. Howard will be the Eulogist. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery.
Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky is handling the arrangements.
Condolences and gifts of sympathy may be made to the family by visiting www.toftfh.com.
