Pastor, Steven West - Officiating

LIFE HISTORY

Ella Louise Ruffin was born on May 3, 1919 to the union of Avery Elizabeth Porter and John Wesley Washington in Slidell, Louisiana in Indian Village of St. Tammany Parrish.            

At the very young age of 3 months, her parents relocated to Los Angeles where her father was hired as a shipbuilder/carpenter for Todd Shipyard.  Shortly after her family moved to Los Angeles, her mother passedt away and she and her siblings were raised by her father with the help and dedication of Van and Rosalie Carr.  At the young age of 12, Louise’s father passed and she and her siblings continued their childhood journey under the parenting of Van and Rosalie Carr, reared with love and discipline.  Louise attended Banning High School and graduated in 1939.  She continued her education at Compton College.

Louise met her husband Daniel H. Ruffin, of Woodville, North Carolina at New Hope Baptist Church.  They were married shortly after.  While Daniel was continuing his career in the military, Louise and her family traveled throughout the United States, living for some years in Portsmouth, VA.  After the military they settled in Los Angeles where they raised their three beautiful daughters: Guanette, Janette and Bernadette.

While raising a family, being Mom and a dedicated wife, Louise managed to work for several employers.  From sewing, tax consulting, food demonstrator, cleaners clerk and hospital volunteer, the Block Club “Vegas Trips Party Planner,” and yes, “Notorious Shopper”, Louise still managed to put her family first which was her main priority.  No matter when you would stop by she always had something cooked.  Her motto was…”Always have something prepared for the family whether they are hungry or not.  No matter what, there would be always something ready to eat.

Louise was very active in her church and block club, and she coordinated many events.  Louise loved cooking for her family and many Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family dinners were held at Louise’s and Dan’s home.  She took her Christianity very seriously.  Her obligation to her family was evident in all she did.  Louise will be remembered for her bright, beautiful smile, her gentle touch, her kind gestures, words of advice, her love for a good home-cooked hamburger, fast driving skills, and being a sharp dresser.  She was a very proud and strong-willed woman and despite the many health challenges she  faced with, she managed to outlive all of her siblings.  Louise is truly the “Eveready Bunny” who took a licking and kept on ticking.  Grammy will truly be missed.

This beautiful life song has been sung and the beat goes on in the hearts of all those who loved and cherished her.

Louise departed her life here on earth, Friday, September 5, 2003.  Her journey continues in spirit and love.  She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters Guanette Ross-Massey, of Valinda, CA; Janette Lott, of Baytown, TX, (Claude), step-daughter Wilma Washington of Hawthorne, CA.  Grandchildren: Myles Ross (Cynthia) of Tustin, CA; Blaine Ross (Regina) of Morongo Valley, CA; Lea Ross of Stanton, CA; Tracy Lott of Baytown, TX; Kelly Bridgeforth-Smith(Ricky) of Santee, CA; Brigittet Jacobson (Michael) of Oklahoma City, OK; Zina Wilson (Lance) of Covington, WA; Sjawn Wade of Washington, D.C.; Tamar Wade (Patrick), of Grants Pass, OR.  In addition, Louise leaves 17 great-grandchildren, 5 godchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

                Louise was preceded in death by her parents John Wesley Washington born in Pensacola, FL, her mother Avery Elizabeth Porter born in Slidell, LA, her husband Daniel Haywood Ruffin, her daughter Bernadette Wade, brothers Roger (Friday), Booker T., George David, Charles, Jewel; sisters Rosie, Alva and Elva, son-in-law Tommy Massey and grandson Shango Wade.

PALLBEARERS 

 HONORARY PALLBEARERS 

 7915 Bayway Drive, Baytown, TX

E-mail responses to Tracy: tmlott@earthlink.net
Family Web Site: ahpwfamily.com