Martha Ann (Phillips) Ruffin

Martha Ann Phillips Ruffin, age 76, departed this life on Sunday, December 6, 2020, at Tucson Medical Center.

Martha moved to Tucson in 2014 where she resided at Pacifica Senior Living. Martha was born in Clarksburg, WV on July 21, 1944, to Jerry and Christine Phillips.

She was preceded in death by her husband retired Sgt. Maj. Jacob C. Ruffin, her daughter Sylvia Lynn Ruffin, and four brothers, Charles Phillips, Richard Phillips, Ronald Phillips, and Gerald Phillips.

She is survived by her sister, Geraldine Phillips Hawkins of Suitland, Maryland, several nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and a host of friends.

Martha grew up in Clarksburg and was always active in church and community events at a young age. She attended Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where she was baptized and was a member of the church youth choir and ushers. As a teen, she was always volunteering whenever there was a need.

Martha always knew that she wanted to help people, so while in high school, she was a volunteer candy striper at St. Mary’s Hospital. Upon completion of high school, she attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing. Martha decided to enlist in the Army to complete her nursing studies.

While serving in the military, she met her husband, Jacob, and they married in 1964. Out of that union their daughter, Sylvia, was born in 1965. As a military family, they moved about for a little while and finally settled in Sierra Vista in 1967, where Jacob was assigned to Fort Huachuca, AZ. Both Jacob and Sylvia preceded her in death in 2005 and 2008, respectively.

Martha worked at Sierra Vista Hospital for over 30 years, both as a nurse and in her later years as a purchasing agent in the procurement department. During that time, she also managed to attend the University of Phoenix and obtain her bachelor’s degree.

Martha was continually active in both her church and the community. She attended church at Greater Antioch MBC, Huachuca City, AZ, where she was a member of the church choir and usher board. She was also active in the following Masonic organizations: Condon Chapter No. 12, OES, PHA Huachuca City, AZ; Past Worthy Matron, and served as Past Grand Worthy Matron for Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Arizona Jurisdiction, Inc.; Missouri Noble No. 55, Order of the Golden Circle, Tucson, AZ; Past Arizona State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler; Past Imperial Deputy for the Oasis and Past Illustrious Commandress for Scimitar Court 120, Daughters of Imperial, Tucson, AZ.

Martha was loved by everyone who knew her; she was a caring and giving person. She will be missed very much.

Interment will be held on December 21, 2020 (11:00 AM) at Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1300 Buffalo Soldiers Trail, Sierra Vista, AZ. COVID restrictions will be in place.

A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Acknowledgments may be sent to her sister, Geraldine Hawkins, 6109 Lucente Avenue, Suitland, MD 20746.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in Martha’s name.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Martha Ann (Phillips) Ruffin, please visit our floral store.