Obituary for Lena "Dolly" Ruff
Lena Ruff, affectionately known as “Dolly”, passed away on December 29th, 2021. She was born on September 21, 1939 in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was predeceased by her parents, Mabel Martin and John Moseby. She was also predeceased by two brothers, Nathan and John Jr.
Dolly was survived by three sons: Michael Collins (Eloise) of Mississippi, Dennis and Norman Collins (Leona) both of New London, CT; three daughters: Pamela Hunt of Taftville, CT, Darlene Duncan of New London, CT and Cheryll Hunter of San Pablo, CA. She was blessed to have 19 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren; one Goddaughter, Nicole Thornton of New London; Four special people who were like sons and a daughter to her; Terry Moses (Vicki) of Texas, Josephine Decosta of New London, Leeartis Nevith(Linda) of Groton and also Granville Emanuel (Berina) of New London. Special mention to all of the caregivers she has had over the last couple of years and namely Deborah Ellis who became family to Dolly and her children. She will also be dearly missed by a host of family members, friends and by her church family at
St. John’s in Groton, CT.
It was hard to fathom that Dolly was confined to a wheelchair for 50 years but she did not allow this setback and misfortune to hinder her from living a rich and productive life. Dolly was the producer and host of “Reaching Out” which was a radio show that addressed issues faced by the handicapped and could be heard on WLNC every Sunday morning from 10:30 am to 11:00 am. She also served as a board member of Project Independence of Eastern CT. Dolly chaired the New London Advisory Committee for the Handicapped, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Consumer Advisory Board and was a state representative of the same board. All of this was accomplished while in a wheelchair!
“Sis. Dolly” as she was respectfully and fondly known, was a faithful and devoted member of St. John’s Christian Church who served well. She was the church’s first treasurer and was the Church Administrator for 25 years. She had been a member of the governing board and held positions on several other boards and auxiliaries. She was dependable and meticulous and took great pride in whatever she put her hands to do. She was a great example of Hebrews 6:10 taken from the ESV which states “God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for His name in serving the saints…” She served her family and most importantly she served God with her whole heart. Words cannot begin to express nor detail all of her accomplishments. She was the embodiment of the gift of help. And now she can rest from her labors and hear Him say Well done, good and faithful servant. We will all miss you, but we thank God for all the memories that we have of you especially your warm smile that will forever remain with each of us.
Dolly was survived by three sons: Michael Collins (Eloise) of Mississippi, Dennis and Norman Collins (Leona) both of New London, CT; three daughters: Pamela Hunt of Taftville, CT, Darlene Duncan of New London, CT and Cheryll Hunter of San Pablo, CA. She was blessed to have 19 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren; one Goddaughter, Nicole Thornton of New London; Four special people who were like sons and a daughter to her; Terry Moses (Vicki) of Texas, Josephine Decosta of New London, Leeartis Nevith(Linda) of Groton and also Granville Emanuel (Berina) of New London. Special mention to all of the caregivers she has had over the last couple of years and namely Deborah Ellis who became family to Dolly and her children. She will also be dearly missed by a host of family members, friends and by her church family at
St. John’s in Groton, CT.
It was hard to fathom that Dolly was confined to a wheelchair for 50 years but she did not allow this setback and misfortune to hinder her from living a rich and productive life. Dolly was the producer and host of “Reaching Out” which was a radio show that addressed issues faced by the handicapped and could be heard on WLNC every Sunday morning from 10:30 am to 11:00 am. She also served as a board member of Project Independence of Eastern CT. Dolly chaired the New London Advisory Committee for the Handicapped, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Consumer Advisory Board and was a state representative of the same board. All of this was accomplished while in a wheelchair!
“Sis. Dolly” as she was respectfully and fondly known, was a faithful and devoted member of St. John’s Christian Church who served well. She was the church’s first treasurer and was the Church Administrator for 25 years. She had been a member of the governing board and held positions on several other boards and auxiliaries. She was dependable and meticulous and took great pride in whatever she put her hands to do. She was a great example of Hebrews 6:10 taken from the ESV which states “God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for His name in serving the saints…” She served her family and most importantly she served God with her whole heart. Words cannot begin to express nor detail all of her accomplishments. She was the embodiment of the gift of help. And now she can rest from her labors and hear Him say Well done, good and faithful servant. We will all miss you, but we thank God for all the memories that we have of you especially your warm smile that will forever remain with each of us.