Mrs. Catherine Ann Ruffin

Catherine Ann Ruffin of Chicago, IL and longtime resident of Saginaw, Michigan passed away Friday, January 1, 2016 at St. Joseph Hospital, Chicago, Illinois. She was 90 years old. Chicago was her home for the past three years after a two year stay in Detroit Michigan. She was born January 7, 1925 in Saginaw, Michigan, daughter of the late Edna M. and Norman V.D. Osborne. Catherine married her beloved husband William Charles Ruffin, Sr. (predeceased her August 30, 2008) on December 25, 1943 at Bethel A.M.E. Church. Catherine was a lifetime member of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Saginaw, MI.She and the Osborne family has been consistently honored by Bethel for being among the church’s earliest members. Catherine attended Saginaw Public Schools and assisted her husband as Treasurer of the Saginaw High’s Reunion Class of 1943. Catherine was employed for 21 years by Saginaw’s Board of Education serving as School Secretary for Potter, Edith Baillie, Longfellow, Heavenrich and Saginaw High Schools. Catherine was an active participant and leader in numerous church and community organizations which included Bethel A.M.E., Y.W.C.A, Y.M.C.A, P.T.A and other school groups. A notable accomplishment, Catherine served as President of Saginaw’s citywide P.T.A. in 1965-66, a responsibility for 33 schools and 997 members. She was the first African-American to hold that office. Catherine was a broadcaster and scriptwriter of radio commercials for WKNX’s Sunday religious programs. Catherine assisted in the compilation of the history of Bethel A.M.E., 1877-1955. She was a member of Bethel’s Usher Board and served as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Teacher. Catherine was an avid gardener throughout her life and was a significant contributor to the roof top gardens of her Chicago Lakeshore Drive apartment complex. Her memory will be cherished by her two sons, William C. Jr., (Emmie) Ruffin, Chicago, IL and Ronald R. (Verlie) Ruffin, Franklin, TN; grandchildren, Tulani Ruffin, Dallas, TX and Dr. Omari (Patience) Ruffin, Nashville, TN; great-grand daughter, Zuri Ruffin, Nashville, TN; sisters-in-law, Lucille Osborne, San Diego, CA and Thelma Ruffin, Saginaw, MI; nieces and nephews, Rev. Norman V. (Pamela) Osborne, Donald Osborne, Nancy Osborne, Clarence, Jr. (Gina) Osborne, Gary Osborne, Brian Osborne, Kenny Osborne, Patrice (Christopher) Aggs, Miriam Elaine “Bunny” Saunders, Beverly Pearson, Karyn Ruffin and Alan Ruffin; also a host of other great nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Lavinia Saunders and Helen Armistead; four brothers, Norman D. Osborne, Clarence Osborne, Lawrence Osborne and Richard Osborne. Family hour will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 8, 2016 at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 535 Cathay Street, with funeral service commencing at 11 a.m. Pastor P. David Saunders will be officiate, with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be during family hour.

Mrs. Catherine Ann Ruffin

January 7, 1925 - January 1, 2016