Doris was born on June 18, 1933, in Groveton, Texas, to Dewey Porter Mullins and Pearl Ione Mullins. She spent her early childhood on the family farm, where her father worked as a farmer. From a young age, Doris loved helping around the farm, picking cotton, and assisting her mother in the vegetable garden. It was there that her lifelong love of gardening first took root.
She adored her mother and treasured the time spent watching her cook. Those moments in the kitchen sparked a passion that would become one of Doris’s greatest gifts. Throughout her life, she expressed her love through food, filling countless tables and bellies with meals lovingly prepared for family and friends.
When Doris was nine years old, her family moved to Houston in search of greater opportunities. Her father built a home for the family, a house Doris dearly loved. After her father’s passing, she returned to that home and lived there until 2001. She often shared fond memories of growing up in Houston, including trips to the picture show. Her favorite movie was Gone with the Wind, a classic she enjoyed throughout her life.
Doris graduated from Jeff Davis High School in 1952. During her sophomore year, she was named runner-up for Most Beautiful. Though officially second place, those who knew her best always believed she was the true winner.
Above all else, Doris loved her family. She was the proud mother of three sons: Storm Ruffin, Zane Ruffin, and Chad Hyman. Much of her life revolved around supporting her boys, especially at the baseball fields. She served as President of the Ladies Auxiliary at Northside National Little League in Houston, where she dedicated countless hours to supporting young athletes and their families.
From 1974 until her retirement in 1999, Doris worked as the administrative assistant at Burbank Elementary School. Her dedication and work ethic were unmatched, evidenced by her perfect attendance throughout her entire career there.
Camping with family created some of Doris’s happiest memories, and she often said her favorite place in the world was Camp Wood, Texas. Family members still remember waking up to the smell of breakfast cooking over the camp stove as Doris prepared another meal made with love.
In 2001, Doris moved to New Waverly with her beloved partner, Wallace “Wally” Krolczyk. Together they enjoyed a wonderful life filled with gardening, cooking, bingo nights at the American Legion, and cheering on the Houston Astros. Doris was one of the Astros’ most enthusiastic fans and had been rooting for them since they were known as the Colt .45s. She never hesitated to hoot and holler while watching her team play.
In her later years, Doris enjoyed the constant companionship of her beloved dog, Sammy Girl, who rarely left her side.
Doris was preceded in death by her father, Dewey Porter Mullins; her mother, Pearl Ione Mullins; her brother, Henry Amos Mullins; her sisters, Abbie Faye (Mullins) Caruso and Velma Ruth Mullins; her beloved partner, Wallace Krolczyk; her son, Zane David Ruffin, and daughter-in-law, Loretta Elaine (Wisley) Ruffin; and her faithful canine companion, Charlie.
She is survived by her son, Storm Ruffin and wife Nancy Ruffin; her son, Chad Hyman and wife Christie Hyman; her granddaughter, Christine (Babygirl) McNutt and husband Corey (Boyfriend) McNutt; her grandson, Ryan Ruffin and wife Leigha Ruffin; her great-grandson, Jace Ruffin; her sister, Joyce Kirkpatrick and husband James Kirkpatrick; her bonus granddaughter, Fawnna Wolfe and husband Brian Wolfe; her bonus great-grandson, Kal Wolfe; numerous nieces and nephews; and many others who lovingly knew her simply as “Memaw.”
Doris was one of the kindest, gentlest, and most caring women anyone could hope to know. She had a remarkable way of making people feel loved, welcomed, and cared for. Though she was soft-spoken and nurturing, she was also fiercely strong and independent, continuing to care for herself, tend her gardens, work her crossword puzzles, watch her beloved Astros, and cook for others well into her later years.
Her love, wisdom, and presence will be deeply missed. Her gardening gloves may rest, and her crossword puzzles may remain unfinished, but the memories she created around kitchen tables, baseball fields, campfires, and family gatherings will live on for generations. While every member of the family had their own favorite Memaw meal, what they will miss most is the love that came with every bite.
Memaw’s kitchen was always open, her garden was always growing, and her heart always had room for one more. The love she shared so freely will remain with all who were blessed to know her.
We want to fill the room with the joy Doris brought to all of us. Please feel free to wear colorful clothing or floral prints as we celebrate her life.
