Carol Iola Ruffin's Obituary
Of Plano, Texas passed peacefully away September 9, 2008 from the arms of her loving family to the loving arms of her Lord. Born December 18, 1929 in Houston, TX, to Joseph P. Doolan and Jimmie I Cunningham, she was preceded in death by her parents, two siblings and her former husband, Marshall C. Tillman Jr. She is survived by her loving husband, David R. Ruffin, and her sister Mae Ellen Brown. She is also survived by her children, Dana Tillman (McKinney, TX), Rick Tillman (Tualatin, Oregon), and Cindy Schuster (Plano, TX), 8 grand children and 1 great grandchild, 4 step children, David Jr., Tim, Stephen, and Susan, together with their 7 children. A member of the National Board of Realtors, Carol spent 32 years as an agent and manager for a number of firms, most recently Coldwell Banker. Her love for life and sense of humor was felt by all, and the lives she touched are too numerous to count. Visitation will be Thursday September 11, 2008 at 6:30 to 8:30pm at the funeral home. Service will be 10:00 am Friday September 12, 2008 at Restland Funeral Home, 9220 Restland Road Dallas TX 75243. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Compassion International, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80997-0009 Memo line. In memory of Carol Ruffin Child Survival Program. Carol’s true spirit was captured in the letter she left her children. My darling children: I know it is foolish to tell you not to be sad. I know you are and I know that you will miss me. I will not be able to miss you or feel sad because you can’t be sad in the arms of Jesus. God gave us a wonderfully long time to be together, and I am so grateful. Together we have embraced this life He has given us on earth with joy and happiness. You have been my children, my supporters and best of all, my close friends. I am so proud of the Christian men and women that you have grown to be. Your wonderful spouses, I have loved just like they are my own. You have given me such loving and gifted grandchildren. I am so thankful to have been able to watch them grow up. I have loved them all so dearly and enjoyed being a big part of their lives. God has always held me in the palm of his hand and blessed me so. I had a strong Christian mother to raise me and a happy childhood, a career that I loved and many wonderful friends. Some women never have a happy marriage and I have had two. After your Dad was taken from us early, God brought Dave into my life and extended my family by four more children. I have been so happy these last years of my life because of him. He is a good, kind and loving man. Celebrate my life and look forward to the rest of yours. Love God, first, last and always. He will always give you the strength to get you through anything. Love each other. Never, never lose your sense of humor: it is one of my finest legacies to you. Open yourselves to receive miracles, they happen everyday. My fervent prayer is that God will continue to hold you close and use your many talents to glorify His name. How exciting it is to know that part of me will live on in you and your children. I read once that to live on in the hearts of those you leave behind is not to really have died. Be happy, you know that I am. I love you so much. Mom
What’s your fondest memory of Carol?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carol?
Share a story where Carol's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carol you’ll never forget.
How did Carol make you smile?