Louise Maria Ruffin

Sunrise: Born September 1924 to the late Dock and Mary Ruffin in Cheraw, SC. Sunset: Columbus, OH on November 10, 2011. Louise was a life long resident of Paterson, New Jersey, where she attended the Paterson Public Schools. She was a graduate of Eastside High School, NJ Practical Nursing School, The Market Business Institute, Bergen Community College, and The Division of Community Services. She continued education at Rutgers University, majoring in Sociology. She was also a special Insurance agent--- licensed by the Department of Insurance in the state of New Jersey. Louise spent much of her time doing volunteer work. She was a member of New AME Zion Church, where she served on the Women's Chorus, as a Sunday School Teacher, Church Clerk, Secretary of the Building Fund, Girl Scout Leader, Chairman of the Scholarship Committee and Altar-Guild, President of Women Active in Community Affairs (WACA), affiliated member of NJ State Federation of Colored Women's Club, Inc., Zodiac Social Club, Monday Night Bible Study; past member of National Council of Negro Women, League of women Voters, YWCA, Organizer of the Patersonians Reunion Committee and volunteer at the Barnert Memorial Hospital. Louise worked at Bergen Pine Hospital as a nurse practitioner; as a secretary with the Paterson school system (School # 6,); the Department of Human Resources as Community Organizer; Site Manager/Outreach, Senior Citizen Nutrition program; and a Case Worker for the Department of Public Welfare. She was chosen as mother of the year at New AME Zion Church; awarded for dedicated services to the Senior Citizens from Caanan Baptist Church, also awarded by The Willing Workers Club, and Black History Month Award for Community Service. Louise is preceded in death by: parents, 1 sister, Charlotte Smith and 2 brothers, Alfred and William Ruffin. Louise was joined in matrimony with Robert M. Chase, and from this union four children: her devoted caregiver and daughter, Renee (Robert) Henry, Columbus, OH; Bonita (Lawrence) Wallace, Grovetown, GA; Barbara (Ron) Barnes, Johnston, SC. and 1 Son, Michael Chase, Sacramento, CA; 1 brother- in- law, Phillip (Barbara) Chase; Seven Grandchildren: Jason (Lashondra) Adams, Kimberly Adams and Keith Barnes, all of GA; Ericka (Calvin) Giles, Robin, and Todd Henry of OH, and Ronda Barnes of NJ; fifteen Great Grand Children, and 1 God son, Stuart Chase, and special friend Mrs. Geniva Rendelman of Columbus,OH and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. She loved her family, and tried her best. All she wanted was love in return. God sent his angel, and said well done Louise, come on home.