Jacqueline Ruffa King

Jacqueline Ruffa King, 98, departed this life on January 19, 2021 after a brief illness. She was born September 18, 1922 to Garland and Minnie Dillon Johnson of Petersburg. She was a life-long resident of the Petersburg area, living her last five years in Chesterfield Heights Gracious Retirement Living facility. Raised in Third Presbyterian Church, she later became a member of Washington Street Methodist Church. Jackie met and married the love of her life, Tony Ruffa, and married in 1943. They had five children. She retired as the manager of the City of Petersburg Water Billing Department. Jackie was a leader in the Petersburg community for decades. She was active in the Sports Booster Club. She served as past president of several organizations including the Woman’s Club of Petersburg, the Edenmont Garden Club, AARP Chapter 1399, and her children’s school PTA. Living life to the fullest, she remained fun, active, and energized by family and friends until the end.

She was predeceased by Tony Ruffa and second husband, Harry King, as well as two sons, Dr. James Ruffa and Carmine Ruffa. She is survived by three children: JoAnne Ruffa of Tappahannock, Cindy Minton (Warren) of Scottsdale, AZ, and Chris Ruffa (Jane) of Midlothian. She is also survived by seven grandchildren Louis Ruffa, Jay Ruffa, Beth Ruffa, Mary Catherine Hildreth, Ashley Hildreth, Erin Redick, and Anne Preston Ruffa, and seven great-grandchildren.

A private family burial will be in Blandford Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions. Jackie supported the work of Jacob’s Ladder (Box 555, Urbanna, VA 23175 or www.jladder.org); The Nest Academy, 2223 Eastway Drive, Charlotte, NC 28205 or www.the nestacademy.org/Jackie) and CMN, childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org (Jackie Ruffa King’s Memorial Fund). Funeral arrangements by Faulkner Funeral Services, Marks Bristow Chapel, Tappahannock.