Joseph Ruffin

Born in Gotemba, Japan, to parents Dr. Joseph Bernard Ruffin and Vestina Provencio Ruffin. He spent his childhood in Oklahoma City, and graduated from Classen High School ('73) and then the University of Oklahoma ('78). Joe's time after college in Korea with the Peace Corps ignited his lifelong passion for defending the rights of others, which would fuel his life's work as a criminal defense attorney (OCU Law '87). While he was a dedicated professional, Joe was a man devoted to his family. As the oldest brother of six, he influenced and inspired his siblings to achieve and give to others. As a husband and father, his thoughtfulness, sensitivity and dedication will always be lovingly remembered. Memories of Joe's sense of humor and larger-than-life personality will sustain all who loved him. Preceded in death by his father, Joseph, and his wife, Maria Elena Ruffin de Escribano, Joe is survived by his wife, Gayle Ann; children Maria Belen, Diana Luz, Daniel Antonio, and Montserrat Elena (OKC); mother, Vestina; brother, Mykl Ruffino and wife Susan, and Anya (Skokie, IL); brother, Carlos Ruffino and wife Delinda, and Michaella and AJ Ramler, Robert and Kayla Ruffino (Dallas, TX); brother, Dr. Richard and wife Patty (OKC), and Julie and Evan DeWalt (Atlanta), Andrew (Washington, DC), and William (Seattle); brother, Mark and wife Manda, and Reina, Aubrey, David and John (OKC); and sister, Lisa and her husband Dr. Bentley Edmonds, and Joe, Adele, Charlotte and Natalie (OKC). A celebration of Joe's life will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 31, at the parish hall (Connor Center) of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 3214 N. Lake Ave., Oklahoma City. The family expresses profound thanks to the dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff of OU Medicine.