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
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14 Condolence(s)
Anthony Westbrook
Monday, October 19, 2020
I’m sorry to hear this. Sending love and warm thoughts to Tiffany and family.
Renee Shoppach Huddleston
Saturday, October 17, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of Teresa’s passing. We had some fun times together. Hugs and prayers for you all.
Judy Teague (former owner of Bill’s Flower Shop)
Thursday, October 15, 2020
So many wonderful memories. My deepest sympathy to all the family.
Tanya Stegall Kennedy
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Tiffany, Tara and the rest of the family, I am so sorry to hear that Teresa passed. Even though I haven't seen her in some time, I was still able to keep up with her thru you Tiffany. She was a wonderful friend and I will never forget the fun times we had. Especially after graduation, we spent many a night cruising Military to see who we could see. Loved your mom and sister and will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda Hines
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
So very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
Tamra Gore
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
I’m so very sorry for your family during this very hard time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lyndsey Jackson Kelly
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Thinking of your family during this time. She was a very special lady.
Sandy Dryman
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, whom I’ve known for over 30 years. And watched most of the nieces and nephews grow up. And even tho Terri gave my heck a lot at a younger life I thought a lot of her. RIP Terri.
Annalisa
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
You were so good to me in the years I was in your life. You were always such a fun mom like figure to be around putting up with us teens. You did a great job with Tiffany. You will forever be remembered and loved. Rest high with your loved ones. Until we meet again someday. â£ï¸
Tara & Shelby Fagan (Sister)
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Well I’ll just get it out there & people won’t understand but you & I will.
“Who gives a rats assâ€! Lol 😂
You just had to go on to the pearly gates didn’t you. I just wish you’d been here with me for a few more years, (me being selfish) but I can certainly understand why you felt you needed to go. Tell everyone hello up there & let them know we sure miss them down here. I can truthfully say your passing hurts deep down. You left little sis behind. But one day we will all be together again & won’t that be a hoot. Good lord won’t know what to do with us all. I shared my life with you for 57 long years. Rough times, fun times & so many memories were made.
I love you & I already miss you so much. Tell Poppa hi & you would be so proud of Tiffy ! She’s binging a real trooper handling everything. I will never forget you & your memory will always be in my â¤ï¸
Butch Mc Junkin
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
She was a wonderful lady with a matching Family. Prayers for all.
Valerie MacEntee
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
My deepest sympathies to your precious family. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort during this
most difficult time, and in the days and weeks to come. Hugs.
Charles and Jan Carty
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
May GOD be with all of the Family and Friends at the time of your loss. It is so hard to lose a loved one but GOD will bring you together again some day and that will be a blessing..
Drew Ruff
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
With Love🌹