Edith M. Ruffin

Edith Mae Ruffin was born on January 8, 1940, in Summit, Oklahoma, to the proud parents, Adell Gilyard and Oscar Crawford. She spent her entire life in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where she built a legacy of faith, family, service, and love.

At an early age, Edith accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and understood the importance of a personal relationship with Him and she accepted him as her Lord and savior and remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life.

Edith received her education at W.E.B. DuBois School.

In 1955, Edith met the love of her life, Jody Ruffin. Their love blossomed, and they were united in marriage on July 5, 1957. Together they shared many years of love and devotion and were blessed with four children: Ronald Eugene Ruffin, Jody Ruffin Jr., Thrissa Ann Ruffin, and Sue Ellen Ruffin.

Edith dedicated many years of service as a cook for Muskogee Public Schools and later for York Manor Nursing Home. She retired in 2005, leaving behind a reputation for hard work, kindness, and dedication. Beyond her career, her greatest joy was caring for her family and teaching her children the value of loving life and loving the Lord.

Edith was a faithful member of St. Mark Baptist Church, where she served diligently as an usher until declining health limited her ability to attend. Her quiet strength, gentle spirit, and unwavering faith touched countless lives.

Edith was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jody Ruffin; her son, Jody Ruffin Jr.; her parents, Adell Gilyard and Oscar Crawford, Samuel Crawford, Leroy Crawford, Mentroy Crawford and her sister, Wilma Janice Jackson.

Those who knew Edith knew of her deep love for God, her warm smile, and her beautiful heart. She found joy in her family, her church, and the simple blessings of life. Edith brought beauty, grace, and warmth wherever she went.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her eldest son, Ronald Eugene Ruffin (Robin) of Charlotte, North Carolina; daughters, Thrissa Ann Reaves (Willie) of Muskogee, Oklahoma, and Sue Ellen Garrett (Cecil Jr.) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; brothers, Charles Crawford (Gwen) of San Diego, California, and Sycer Sizemore (Jean) of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

She also leaves a treasured legacy through her grandchildren: Shiquira, Willie Jr., Cecil III, Breion, Ashley, Sandra, Tricia, Jomeika, Nicole, Jody lll, Charles and Marchelle along with a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Forever Loved • Forever Cherished • Forever Remembered

Ms. Edith M. Ruffin, in her 86th year, received her rest on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from St. Francis Hospital.

You may visit Ms. Ruffin, as she slumbers in sweet repose at the funeral home on Sunday, June 14, 2026 between the hours or 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

The Hour of Remembrance for Ms. Ruffin will commence on Monday morning, June 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Peoples Chapel of the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., of Muskogee. The Christian Committal and Burial will follow the service at 1:30 PM in the Fort Gibson National Cemetery, Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.

Pastor Sandra Goff, her granddaughter, will Preside over the services.

You may order flowers:  (918)687-7574 lakelandflorist.com