Joyce Catherine Covington Ruff

Joyce Ruff, age 92, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2023, in Greensboro, NC. Born on June 23, 1931, in Richmond County, NC, Joyce was the fourth child of Bruce Bennett Covington and Judie Catherine Caudle. She was raised on the family farm and was independent, energetic, and adventurous. She drove a tractor at an early age and drove a school bus in high school. After graduating from Ellerbe High School in 1949, Joyce then attended Meredith College for 2 years. In 1955, Joyce married John (Johnny) W. Ruff and they both had careers with Aetna Life Insurance Company. Their work took them to Charlotte, NC, San Antonio, Texas, and Hartford, Connecticut.

Joyce enjoyed an active life and became an avid tennis player in her mid-40s. She walked daily and was selected to carry the Olympic Torch in San Antonio in 1993. The following year at age 63 she walked in the Portland Oregon Marathon with her niece. During Joyce and Johnny’s 50-year marriage, they traveled extensively including several times to the Holy Land where Joyce climbed Mount Sinai twice. Joyce was a genuine Christian woman, who always gave her time, advice, and resources to family and friends. She loved gardening and baking, but she especially cherished the time she spent volunteering in the infant room of The Children’s Shelter in San Antonio.

Joyce is survived by her younger brother, Neil B. Covington, Sr. of Greensboro and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, her 3 older siblings, and her husband, Johnny.

The family would like to thank members of First Baptist Church Kernersville and the staff of Heritage Greens in Greensboro for their care of Joyce. A special thanks goes to Gina Rodriguez, Joyce’s dear friend, who provided many years of friendship and support.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageGreensboro.com for the Ruff family.