Yvonne "Coot" Ruff

Yvonne Ruff, 68, was born on January 22, 1957, in Columbia, SC, the seventh and youngest child of the late Richard and Emma Cook Ruff. She transitioned to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in Columbia, South Carolina.

Yvonne graduated from Eau Claire High School, in the Class of 1975, and attended Benedict College, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Art. Her passion for learning and her desire to help others led her to continue her education at the University of South Carolina, where she obtained a master’s degree in special education. She was also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. For many years, Yvonne served in Richland County School District One, where she dedicated her life to nurturing and guiding young minds. Her students remember her not only as a teacher but as a source of kindness, patience, and inspiration. Yvonne believed in seeing the good in every situation and turning challenges into opportunities to grow.

A devoted woman of God, Yvonne was a faithful member and pillar of God’s Church of Deliverance, where she served as Youth Minister for over 30 years, Sunday School teacher, Worship Team member and Food Pantry volunteer.

Yvonne had a heart for giving and was a generous and faithful giver. Her compassion and generosity touched countless lives within her church, her community and beyond. She loved creativity, art, painting, and drawing, and many of her paintings adore offices and homes around Columbia.

In addition to her parents, Yvonne was also preceded in death by her oldest brother, Andrew Ruff.

Yvonne is survived by two caring and devoted brothers, Rev. Lonzo Ruff of SC, and Rev. James Ruff of MI; two loving sisters, Emma Ruff and Hattie Johnson both of SC, and Betty (Viron) Russell of CT;  caring sister-in-law, Agnes Ruff of SC, loving aunts, Minnie Cloud and Ineeda Pickett of SC; goddaughter, Alexis Sligh; best friend through high school and college, Loretta Jones; devoted neighbors, Edward and Minnie Lee Glover, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.

Yvonne’s life was a reflection of her faith—steadfast, loving, and full of grace. Though she will be deeply missed, we rejoice knowing she is now at peace in the presence of the Lord she so faithfully served.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Yvonne "Coot" Ruff, please visit our floral store.