Rufus Grant Jefferson

Rufus, or as we know him, Ronnie was born in Riverside on Feb 27, 1954. He grew up as the baby of a large family, having 5 brothers and 6 sisters his senior. Ronnie spent his childhood in Woodcrest, attended Liberty Elementary, Gage Middle School, and went on to graduate from Poly High School. He was also disciplined enough to earn a certification in construction from ITT Technical Institute. Ronnie quickly put his construction certificate to good use, became a seasoned construction worker for many various companies, and could build almost anything. Ronnie would not hesitate to fix anything, regardless of if he knew how. He was resourceful and if he did not have it, he could get it!

Ronnie lived in several different cities, establishing roots wherever life took him. However, he always wanted to come home to Riverside, CA and be with his family. Due to his friendly and outgoing personality, Ronnie quickly made friends everywhere and anywhere he went. Ronnie could make a joke out of anything and leave everyone around him laughing.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his father, Leon Sr., and his mother, Iola, as well as his siblings. Rayford, Leon Jr. (Sunny), Clewone, Norman, George (Raymond), Edward (Alan), and Clewone’s twin sister who passed at birth, Rowone.

He is survived by his wife Renee, his three children, Shema, Sparkles and Emma as well as his sisters Shirley, Iola, Molly and Leola (Dimples). He also has endless cousins, nieces and nephews. Ronnie loved his children dearly, putting them at the center of his world. Ronnie had a special affection for each of his children, and they proudly carry on his name.

He loved his family, whether it was teaching someone how to swim, bait a fish, start a campfire, or you know, his specialty, fixing your car; Ronnie was a jack of all trades but master of none!