Della M. Ruffin

Della was born on September 13, 1943, the beloved and only child of the late (Dr. Shelton Greene and Ann (nee Leisner) Greene. She grew up in Avondale and graduated from Walnut Hills High School. Della married Rev. Joseph Ruffin and to that union Monica Marie and Marjorie Lynne were born. She was a strong, independent, and resourceful woman who was committed to raising her children with an appreciation of the role of God in their lives.

Della selected a life of public service in the role of nursing, more specifically, as a Labor and Delivery nurse at both Jewish Hospital and finally retiring from Good Samaritan Hospital in 2011. Her true passion was assisting in bringing new life into the world. She shared this passion with her daughter Monica, who followed in mom’s footsteps and developed her own passion for women’s health. Her daughter Margie also chose a life of service, becoming a life-long public-school educator. She truly led by example.

In 1995, Della was blessed to marry Frederick Poe and were together until his passing in 2010. They were members of Greater Faith Baptist Church where she sang in the choir. She would later become a member of Tried Stone Baptist Church, following her pastor, Steven McGee. While here she thoroughly enjoyed being on the prayer call and was affectionately known as the “wordy one,” a name she gave herself. Della also delighted in participating at Citygate Christian Church along with her daughter Margie. Her grandchildren always looked forward to “Cousins Camp” for a week in the summer full of activities and bonding.

She was a long-standing member of both the Forest Park and the Wyoming Women’s Clubs, where she enjoyed fund-raising events, listening to speakers and lunches. Her hobbies included knitting, gardening, and reading. During her retirement, there wasn’t a word search or sudoku book she hadn’t done to keep her mind busy and stimulated.

Della is preceded in death by her parents and loving son-in-law Michael Williams. She leaves to cherish her life Monica (Steven) McGee, Marjorie (Jeff) Williams; five grandchildren: Jason Kennedy Sr., Joy McGee, Adrienne Williams, Jenica (Khadeem) Gibson, and Terrance Williams; as well as eleven great grandchildren, her dearest sister-like friend and confidant Lynne Marshall and a host of friends.

Visitation at Tried Stone Baptist Church, 621 Lafayette Ave, Middletown, Ohio 45044 Friday August 7, 2026, from 10AM until the time of the funeral service at 11PM. Burial to follow at Crown Hill Cemetery, Cincinnati. THE WEBSTER FUNERAL HOME, Fairfield is serving the family. Online condolences can be made at www.websterfuneralhomes.com.