Victor Howard Ruffaner

Victor Howard Ruffaner was born in Richmond Heights, Ohio; a suburb of Cleveland, on January 3, 1962. He was the son of Blair and Audrey (Scott) Ruffaner. Victor was raised in the Cleveland area, graduating from North High School in 1980. Shortly after graduation, Victor relocated to Texas where he eventually gained employment working for Big Three Industries which was later acquired by Air Liquide in Odessa, Texas. His career spanned nearly twenty nine years and was employed as an acetylene plant operator when he became medically retired in the past year. Victor was married to Elizabeth Sue Mathis in Odessa, Texas in 1986 and the couple moved to the Terlton area from Odessa, Texas in 1999. Victor was a member of the Order of Free and Accepted Masons as a Master Mason and also a member of the Shiners International. Victor accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior on Easter Sunday 2010 at the First Baptist Church in Terlton. Victor was proud of his home and the ten acres surrounding it; however, he was most proud of his children and grandchildren and seeing them happy. He shared many wonderful memories about his marriage to Suzy, his children and grandchildren, experiencing the birth of his first grandson to mention a few. Additionally, he was fond of going on the first ride on his Harley with his son. Christmas was a magical time for Vic and he would beam as he watched his children open their presents. Vic enjoyed Rock N Roll music and especially liked Led Zeppelin but was also a Taylor Swift fan. His hobbies included camping, walking his ten acres, and swimming, riding motorcycles and drinking an ice cold beer by the pool. He was described by his family as a kind-hearted, easy going man with a jolly personality that had a knack for making friends. He was the biggest Teddy Bear in the world and a friend to everyone that crossed his path. His love for people was revealed in his always happy attitude. Victor had a passion for helping burned children which led to his involvement in the Shrine. Additionally, that concern for burned children led to his activity as a volunteer in the Terlton Fire Department. He also was passionate about the fight against breast and all types of cancer. Vicís favorite quotes included ìthat blew off my toupee, you donít know and Brewlaskis!î In his final days with his fight with Melanoma he often reminded his loved ones, ìIím not saying goodbye, Iím saying, Iíll see you on the other side.î His only regrets in life were not making it to Branson, and learning to drive a semi-truck and to fly an airplane. His theme throughout his passing was to remind all of his family and friends not to cry but laugh and smile and especially remember and talk about the good times they had together. Victor passed away on Friday, December 17, 2010 at his home near Terlton at the age of forty-eight. He was preceded in death by his mother; Audrey Scott; a brother, Matt Richards; maternal grandparents, Alice and Howard Scott; and his paternal grandparents, Victor and Mildred Ruffaner. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Sue Raffaner of the home; son, Michael James Lewis and his wife, Amber of Sanger, Texas; three daughters, Tabitha Harvey of Henryetta, Oklahoma, Bryttney Ruffaner of Mannford, Oklahoma and Melissa Ruffaner of Odessa, Texas; six grandchildren, Colby and Logan Lewis; Hunter and Aspen Harvey, Alexis Price and Corbin Adams; father, Blair Ruffaner of Terlton, Oklahoma; sister, Mary Hanson of Corrales, New Mexico; numerous other friends and family that will mourn his passing . Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at the First Baptist Church in Terlton with Rev. Scott Watkins officiaing. Burial will be at the Terlton Cemetery under the directions of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home.