Mrs. Crystal Y. Ruffin

Crystal Yvonne Ruffin, 54, of Peoria, IL transitioned to her final resting place in heaven at 6:36 p.m. on July 5th, 2022 with loved ones by her side. Crystal was born on December 21st, 1967, in Peoria, IL to Sister Callie Mae Hudson and John D. Hudson Sr. who both precede her in death. Crystal was introduced to God’s Word at an early age by her mother, Sister Callie Mae Hudson and accepted Christ into her life as a member of Star of Hope Full Gospel Church. She continued this tradition, raising each of her three daughters in the Church under Bishop Johnson. Crystal met her husband Ronald Lee Ruffin at Lincoln Middle School in Peoria, IL, when they were in third and fourth grade respectively. Their relationship grew and flourished with time as they separated in pursuit of their education, while maintaining a consistent loving and supportive relationship. Crystal graduated from Manual High School in 1986 and then Illinois State University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication. Soon after they both graduated from college, Crystal Hudson became Crystal Ruffin twenty-nine years ago on June 12th of 1993. Together Crystal and Ronald ultimately created a beautiful life and home for themselves along with their three daughters who were raised to value family above all else. Crystal was a counselor, educator, adviser, and friend to many. Her love for God, family, and community was present in every project she took on in both her career and her volunteer work. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, Crystal spent lots of time after her own battles supporting others through their journeys and spreading information on breast cancer detection through her volunteer work with Susan G. Komen’s Peoria Memorial Affiliate. She was an active member of Susan G. Komen’s Circle of Promise, and her daughters and husband followed in her footsteps by volunteering and interning alongside her to further the Susan G. Komen mission. More recently, she began her stint in the National Association of University Women (NAUW) two years ago, where Crystal created and fortified strong relationships among the women while working in the Peoria Branch’s scholarship committee. Crystal held several positions in the youth and family development sector. PCCEO Head start held a special place in her heart as she worked in various positions for more than ten years and was able to maintain relationships with several families, co-workers, and children. Her final position in her career was as a TRiO Success Coach stationed at ICC and Peoria High, where she created strong bonds with her co-workers and students alike in only four months’ time. She was a deeply caring and empathetic woman who lived to spread knowledge, light, love, and laughter within her community. Crystal’s image, memory, and values will live on through her three daughters Simone Ruffin, Ciera Ruffin, and Selena Ruffin as well as the grand dog, Jax, who she showered with love his whole life. She also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as other relatives who she worked to foster special individual relationships and memories with that they can cherish for years to come. Crystal leaves her husband, Ronald Ruffin, to honor and cherish over 40 years of memories and milestones together, as well as her three daughters, Simone, Ciera, and Selena and her siblings: John D. (Annette) Hudson Jr., Rose Hudson, Sharon Buckner, and Lester (Kim) Hudson. In lieu of flowers, the Ruffin family ask that friends and family consider donating to Susan G. Komen, as Crystal spent countless years after her own battles with breast cancer pouring into the efforts of the Susan G. Komen Memorial Affiliate to end breast cancer and support those affected in the meantime. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, July 16, 2022, at Star of Hope Missionary Baptist Church at 10:00 a.m. with visitation commencing one hour prior at 9:00 a.m. Bishop Joseph Johnson will officiate. Crystal will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery

Mrs. Crystal Y. Ruffin

December 21, 1967 - July 5, 2022