Daphne Marie Ruffner

Daphne moved with her family to Arlington, Virginia in 1953. She attended Luther Jackson High School in Merrifield, where, at a basketball game, she first saw the love of her life, Earl Ruffner. She later completed her high school education at Roosevelt High School in Washington, D.C.

Daphne and Earl were married on August 14, 1959, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church by Father Ray. Their loving partnership spanned 67 years, including the one year that they dated prior to marriage, and was filled with enduring support, shared adventures, and deep devotion.

Daphne began her working life at Drug Fair in Arlington as a copy clerk. In 1963, she joined the U.S. Postal Service, where she worked as a mail sorter and later as a beloved window clerk at both Shirlington and North Station branches. In 1973, she suffered a workplace injury that caused her decades of pain and mental stress, which she bore with quiet strength.

A woman of many passions, Daphne loved sewing, crocheting, reading, and studying a wide range of subjects. She found joy in travel, taking numerous Caribbean cruises and a memorable cross-country trip through 24 states. She also collected rocks, shells, owls, and, above all, lighthouses.

She supported her husband in all his ventures and was a strong, steady presence for their three daughters (Dawn, Sheree’, and Pia), especially while Earl worked tirelessly. Daphne also volunteered with the Girl Scouts of America and organized the candy drive at Bishop O’Connell High School for two years, helping the school break sales records and earning her the nickname “The Candy Lady.”

Daphne loved dancing, shopping for fine clothes and collectibles, and sharing her timeshare generously with family and friends. Her favorite saying was “Strangers are friends we haven’t met yet,” from the poem Strangers Are Friends We Haven’t Met Yet by Helen Steiner Rice. Daphne made friends with everyone.

Daphne is survived by her husband Earl, their daughters Dawn, Sheree’ and Pia (Michael), five grandchildren Evan (Leah), Simeon, Michael II, Brandon (Casey) and Mikayla, six great-grandchildren, her sister Kelly, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as countless friends and extended family. Daphne’s life was filled with love, resilience, and giving. Daphne will forever be cherished.

A visitation for Daphne will be held Thursday, June 5, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Following the visitation will be a Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church, 2700 19th St S, Arlington, VA 22204. A repast will take place following the service, all are welcome.