Sharon L. Ruff

Sharon Lorraine Ruff of Alexandria, VA, was born July 18, 1964 in Jersey City, New Jersey. She was the daughter of Dorothy Lewis, and the late George Lewis. Sharon left for her heavenly home with the Lord on January 29, 2023. Sharon attended both Catholic and public schools in Jersey City. Because of her abilities, Sharon earned a three-year scholarship with the ABC Program to attend high school in New Hampshire. She then matriculated to Wesleyan University for four years, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics in 1986. After college, Sharon worked for eleven years in Benefits Administration with Bankers Trust, Lever Brothers, and Nabisco. She later completed computer training at Chubb Institute, launching her twenty-five-year career in Information Technology, where she worked for various companies, including Computer Sciences Corporation, The State of Delaware, Wells Fargo, and Allspring Global Investments. Her strong work ethic propelled her into numerous leadership roles. Sharon enjoyed reading, getting to know others, and talking. She even took up sewing for a season. She enjoyed listing to relaxing music like Gospel/Praise music, Bossa Nova, and coffee shop music. Sharon married David, the love of her life, in 2002. They were married in Delaware and lived there for several years. They experienced twenty wonderful years together, full of love, trust, growth, and joy. Most notable about Sharon was her love for life and others. She approached life with zeal to live it to the fullest. Sharon befriended and gained the trust of others by pouring out her love and taking time to share their lives with them. Her genuine spirit endeared her to many, allowing her to cultivate great lifelong friendships. She always listened to others with true intentions of being helpful, and when she didn’t get enough information to adequately aide someone, she wasn’t afraid to have a little, “Question-Time.” Sharon treated everyone the way she wanted to be treated, and genuinely loved everyone, as she did herself. Not surprisingly, her wonderful heart motivated her to give to those in need, and to charities. She was made complete by her warm and hearty laugh that would fill you with joy. Sharon is love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 expresses Sharon’s life best: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” While Sharon is deeply missed, she is resting peacefully in the bosom of the Lord, and we will all see her again at our appointed times. Until then, we have our memories and relationships to remind us of her radiant personality and loving heart. Sharon leaves to celebrate her life, her beloved husband, David Ruff; cherished mother, Dorothy Lewis; adored siblings Valerie Wiggs and Wendell Lewis; devoted sister-in-law, Mary Ruff; precious nieces and nephews, Patrick (Kacy), Christopher, Nyleen (Aaron), Andrew, and Raquel; adored great nieces and nephews; and a host of family and dear friends. Family and friends may gather at Jefferson Funeral Chapel on Saturday, February 18, 2023 for an 11AM viewing, and home going service at 12PM. Sharon’s family and closest friends will assemble privately after the service. Those who are unable to attend the service may view via live stream on the Chapel’s website. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of Sharon’s favorite charities: Donate | American Cancer Society, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or RMHNY - Children’s Charities | Ronald McDonald House New York

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Sharon L. Ruff

July 18, 1964 - January 29, 2023