Barbara M. Ruffin affectionately known as Babs, was born July 30, 1954 to the late Robert and Fannie McFarland. She entered into eternal life on July 9, 2016 at Rex Hospital with her husband and family at her bedside.
Babs attended and graduated from Clayton High School. Babs went on to pursue a business degree at Hardbargers Business College.
Babs had several jobs throughout her life, but no job gave her more joy than her career at SAS Institute. Babs worked there as an executive administrative assistant in the Sales and Marketing Department. She developed a lot of lasting friendships there.
Babs gave her life to the lord at an early age. She was a member of Good Samaritan Baptist Church for many years. She was called to the ministry later under the leadership of Charles W. Brooks at Poplar Springs Christian Church. There she preached her Initial Sermon, and served as an associate minister. Since then she has preached at several other churches.
On January 25, 1975 she married, the love of her life, Eddie Kirl Ruffin. They were married forty-one years. Through this union came their two sons Eddie Kirl Ruffin II, and Joshua David Ruffin. Babs loved her boys more than anything, and constantly told family and friends how proud she was of them.
Babs loved to sew. She made clothes for her boys and many others for many years. Babs also loved to cook. The Ruffin household looked forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas each year as she would make the world’s best sweet potato pies.
Babs’ father, Robert McFarland Sr, preceded her in death.
Babs is survived by her husband, Eddie Ruffin of the Home, Sons, Eddie K. Ruffin II of the Home, and Joshua D. Ruffin (Kari) of Selma, NC; two grandchildren, David Jaleel Ruffin and Christian Elijah Ruffin; Mother: Fanny McFarland of Clayton, NC; Sisters: Deborah Forte (William) of Garner, NC, Brenda McFarland (Gale) of Durham, NC, Sandra Utley(Mark) of Raleigh, NC, and Karla Townsend of Garner NC,; Brothers: Robert McFarland (Agatha) of Clayton, Ricky McFarland (Sandra) of Clayton, Barry McFarland (Lencie) of Clayton, Michael McFarland (Janice) of Clayton, and Dana McFarland of Hollywood, Florida; Father-in-Law: Willie Ruffin of Garner; Sisters-in-Law’s: Gwen Johnson (Ronnie) of Garner, NC, Patricia Chrisp of Garner, NC, Denise Thomas of Maryland and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Barbara Ruffin (McFarland), please visit our
Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
