Carol was born to the late John Lafayette Higdon, Jr. and Virginia Louise (Scott) Higdon in Alpine, Texas. She spent her early years relocating every few years following her fathers' coaching career. She graduated from Alamogordo High School and went on to study english at Western New Mexico University. She met and married Sam Stratton and they raised their sons in Orange County, California. She worked for many years as a Paralegal specializing in family law. She later married Gino Louis Ruffolo in 2001.
Carol had many hobbies over the years, from reading, playing piano, bowling and tennis. She also enjoyed collecting special pieces. In retirement Carol enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and taking it easy. She loved her precious pets over the years as well. Carol was a devoted mother to her three sons. Carol loved her family deeply and over years devoted herself to creating memories and caring for them. Carol always cared for others usually putting their needs before her own. Her caring, giving, strong-willed, and resilient spirit will be missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Samuel John “Brandon” Stratton; her brothers, John III, Danny and Phillip Higdon.
She is survived by her husband, Gino Louis Ruffalo; her sons, Todd Christopher David Statton and his wife Melissa and Jared Andrew John Mendez; her grandchildren, Sophia Mendez, Ryder Stratton and Johnny Stratton; siblings, David Higdon, Kathleen Higdon Brown and Russell Higdon; numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
