Edna M. Ruff's Obituary
Edna M. Ruff (nee Macrory), of Little Egg Harbor Township, formerly of Maple Shade, NJ, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2024. She was born in Belfast, Ireland on February 18, 1921 to the late Edward and Ellen (Nee Bushell) Macrory.
At age 2, Edna immigrated from Belfast with her parents which included processing through Ellis Island. They eventually settled in Camden, NJ. Stories of her growing up included tales of mischief with Betty and Hilda Levin at their family store as well as trips to the Atlantic City boardwalk. She loved the ocean. Although she could not swim, she would “ride the waves” keeping her head above the water – quite a feat!
Maple Shade became Edna’s home where she raised Susan and Bobby as a single parent. She devoted her all to them. With no driver’s license (quickly obtained) and no experience, she started work as a waitress at Strawbridge & Clothier restaurant in the Cherry Hill Mall. She made many friends during those 3 decades. Retirement came when she married Joe Ruff. They enjoyed spending time with family and travelling to Florida. They alternately took loving care of each other during health challenges.
In 2013, Edna moved to Stafford on the Bay in Manahawkin, NJ to be closer to Bob and Donna. After an auto accident that she walked away from with no injuries in 2017, Edna moved into The Terraces at Seacrest Village in Little Egg Harbor. She was a fixture on their front porch as she loved being outside and was known for racing through the halls before and after needing a walker. The staff at the Terraces provided years of loving care up until the end.
Edna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, the late Joseph Ruff; her dear sister, Helen Woods; brother-in-law, James Woods; and grandson, Daniel Morrow.
Edna was the loving mother of Susan Bursik (Daniel) and Robert Challender Jr. (Donna); cherished grandmom of Colin Challender (Renae), Caitlin Mateo (Stephen Atkinson), Jeffrey Bursik (Carly), Nicholas Bursik (Cindy), and Rachel Bursik; Laura Reinert (Jason), Diane McMahon, and Jennifer Morrow (Rich Croce); dear great grandmother of 18. She was the loving aunt of Eileen Maron (Robert) and great aunt of Kimberly Coughlin (Ryan).
Relatives and friends are invited to gather at Givnish of Maple Shade, 600 East Main Street, on Monday, January 22 from 10 am to 11 am. A service will begin at 11 am, followed by interment in Locustwood Memorial Park, Cherry Hill, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations in Edna’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.
To share your fondest memories and condolences, please visit www.Givnish.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Edna?
What’s a lesson you learned from Edna?
Share a story where Edna's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Edna you’ll never forget.
How did Edna make you smile?