Robert Ruffin Obituary

Robert "Duke" Earl Ruffin

Feb 1, 1968 - Jun 6, 2025

Renton, WA

Robert "Duke" "Papa" Earl Ruffin, 57, of Renton, Washington, passed away Friday, June 6, 2025, at Valley Medical Center in Renton.

Robert was born February 1, 1968, in Sandusky. He was a 1987 graduate of Sandusky High School where he wrestled, played football, and obtained his Culinary Arts Certification. In July of 1987, Robert enlisted and served eight years in the Armed Forces specializing in Combat Engineering.

Fondly called Papa, he proudly spoke of his military days. He enjoyed Wolverine and Marvel comic books, loved listening to Prince music, watching movies, and, most of all, laughing and teaching his family how to create new cuisines. Papa was most proud of his sweet potato pie recipe being published in a cookbook. Cylina, Nick, Amber, and Riley are blessed to have been a part of Papa's "cooks in training" crew.

His beloved, Brenda Pauley, was his personal taste tester and dedicated lifelong partner for over 30 years. She and Papa fell in love the day they met. "He was just the kindest, sweetest man to come into my life."

Robert leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Minnie "Sally" Ruffin; significant other, Brenda Pauley; daughter, Cylina; grandchildren, Nicholas, Amber, and Riley, all of Renton, Washington; siblings, W.D. (Carmella) Durrah, William L. Ruffin Sr., Jack Ruffin, Barbara Ruffin, and Patricia Ruffin, all of Sandusky, and Stacy Humphries of Arkansas; best friend for over 50 years, Tony Wright of Columbus; military friend, Ken Anderson of Washington; special cousins, Otis Wilson and Major Ruffin; special childhood friends from Meigs, Adams, and Decatur Sts., as well as Denise and Tina Wright, Neil, Carla, and Audrey McCarty, Traci Payton, the entire Moore family; and a host of other cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, T.J Humphries; grandparents; brothers, Willie "Pete" Saffore and Tyrone Ruffin; and his nephew, Marco D. Lately.

Funeral services will be at noon Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky. Visitation for family and friends will be from 10-noon. Pastor Antwon Hunter will officiate. Private graveside service with military honors will be determined at a later day.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Robert Earl Ruffin to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) at VA Regional Office, E. 9th St., Room 1017B, Cleveland, Ohio 44199.

Condolences may be shared online at toftfuneralhome.com.