of Benton, AR

November 18, 1958 - October 12, 2020

Teresa Lee Ruffin Smith, 61, passed from this life on October 12, 2020 after a brief but serious illness. She was born to Lester and Dixie Henderson Ruffin, November 18, 1958 in Benton, Arkansas. Teresa devoted her life to her family. She worked at her father's business, Ruffin Mold & Machine, for many years and was an important part of its success. In later years, she was the primary caregiver for her parents.

When her daughter was young, Teresa was the ultimate homeroom mom who brought the best treats to class parties, created the greatest costumes for school plays, and helped with elaborate school projects such as an Eiffel Tower replica and a miniature Jamestown settlement (usually the night before they were due). Once she even managed to grow cucumber plants overnight for a science project. Other talents included organizing the spookiest haunted houses at Halloween and decorating the most beautiful Christmas trees.

Teresa traveled the world with her daughter, with Hawaii, Italy, and Alaska becoming some of her favorite destinations. She was also an animal lover and brought home many ''strays'' she happened to find. She often took care of her granddogs whom she loved with every ounce of her heart. She had a thing for Blake Shelton and attended as many of his concerts as possible. Last but not least, her cooking was second to none where recipes were useless, and ''eyeballing'' measurements, a sprinkle of this, and a dash of that was standard.

Aunt Tee Tee was especially close to her nieces and nephews. She was infamous for playing ''where's Waldo?'' and flipping the bird (with finger puppets no less) at important events like high school graduations. Other favorite memories are the time she got stuck in a submarine on a family outing and when she kept getting rolled in the waves of the Gulf of Mexico. There was also that time she went on a tornado chase. To say that she was deeply loved and that we will miss her tremendously is an understatement.

Teresa is preceded in death by her parents, sister Tami Ruff, and nephew Hunter Ruff. She is survived by her daughter, Tiffany Smith of Benton, sister and brother-in-law, Tara and Shelby Fagan of Benton, brother-in-law, Drew Ruff of Benton, nephew Andrew Ruff of Benton, nieces Emma Kuster (Charles) of Norman, OK, Sarah Berry (T.J.) of Benton, Anna Fagan of Little Rock, and great-nephew Thomas Berry of Benton.

Her family would like to thank all of her caregivers, nurses, and doctors at UAMS. Teresa's wishes were to be cremated. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, a memorial will be planned at another time. If you are so inclined, please donate to a local nonprofit of your choice in her memory.

Memorial Service Pending

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Ballard Funeral Home
306 S. Main
Benton, AR  72015
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com