Elaine Ruffner

Elaine (Miller) Ruffner, 83, of Maumee OH and Hilton Head Island SC, passed away on December 8, 2025.  Born in Toledo, on November 26, 1942, Elaine was a 1960 graduate from Fulton Local High School, where she met her beloved husband of 58 years, Michael Ruffner.

Elaine attended Bowling Green State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 1964. She started her career teaching Business Education at Berkley High School in Michigan, but later dedicated her life to creating a warm and nurturing home for her husband and four children as the family spent time living in the Toledo area, Puerto Rico, Philadelphia, PA and Hilton Head Island, SC.

Elaine had many interests and talents. In earlier years, she enjoyed playing tennis and golf. She had a creative knack for crafting and flower arranging and loved baking for family and friends. Later in life, Elaine enjoyed fun and friendship going to trivia nights, playing mahjong and card games. But above all, time spent with her family meant the most to her and being with them brought her great joy.

In addition to her husband, Michael, Elaine was dearly loved by four children, Kelly (Geof) Bisignani, Brent (Susan) Ruffner, Brian (Tamra) Ruffner, Keith Ruffner, and eleven grandchildren aged 26-17 (Adam, Alex, Lauren, Jillian, Katie, Karly, Brady, Eric, Michael, Maddy, and Kelsey). She is survived by her brothers, Dale (Sherrie) Miller, Dave (Cheryl) Miller, and Kevin (Colleen) Miller. She was predeceased by her husband Michael Ruffner, mother Marian (Gries) Miller, father Leo Miller, and sister Gloria Miller.

Private services will be held for the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following charities:

Mercy Health Foundation – Patient Care

https://givebsmh.org/cause/toledo-oh-patient-care

American Diabetes Association

https://diabetes.org/ways-to-give/in-honor-gift#donatetribute