Joanna “Joann” Henson Ruff, 64, died on Friday, November 23, 2018, surrounded by her family that she dearly loved, at the John F. Keever Solace Center. Joann was born in Haywood County on March 26, 1954, to the late Ira and Lucille Kuykendall Henson. She had a special love for children making them her life’s work. Joann was a member of Hazelwood Baptist Church where she sang in the choir for 26 years. She loved going to Lake Douglas and spending time with her family. Joann will always be remembered for “keeping her children straight” and for being a friend to everyone.
In addition to her parents, Joann was preceded in death by her brother, R.L. Henson.
Joann is survived by her husband of 41 years, Clifford Ruff; son Matthew Ruff; daughter, Beth McMahan (Brian); sisters, Betty Inman, Mary Cogburn (Bill), and Phyllis Sellen; grandchildren, Kelli Chasteen (John) and McKenzie McMahan; great-grandson, Peyton Chasteen; brother-in-law, Tony Ruff (Terri); numerous nieces and nephews; and her special little dog, Toby.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm at Hazelwood Baptist Church on Thursday, November 29, with the Reverend Tim Lolley officiating. Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1-3 pm prior to the service at the church and at other times at her son’s residence.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hazelwood Baptist Church at 265 Hazelwood Ave, Waynesville, NC 28786.
The family would like to offer a special word of thanks to Lisa Jenkins, Denise Finger, Sarah Wyatt, and Lilly Nguyen.
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