Madison, FL - Mary Belle Bussey Ruff, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, at the Fellowship Home in Valdosta, GA, at the age of 83.

Born on March 3, 1942, in Ft. White, Florida, Mary dedicated her life to her family, her Christian

faith, and her many other passions. She was a long-term member of Lee Methodist Church.

A proud homemaker, Mary was known for her beautiful flowers and flourishing gardens.

Her love for nature was matched only by her affection for her grandchildren, with whom she spent

countless joyful hours. Mary's adventurous spirit, tenacity, and resourceful nature inspired those

around her. She found great joy in nurturing and ministering to children, especially her grandchildren and the children she worked with at church. She also enjoyed sewing and quilting.

She enjoyed a special bond with her dog Miss Kay for many years.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years Frank Ruff, three brothers, five sisters and

one sister in law.

Mary is survived by her loving children, Keith Ruff (Stephanie), Gail Ruff (George Wolff),

Doug Ruff (Jann), and Nancy Rozgony (David), six grandchildren, Ellie, Ruby, Lyla and Fisher Ruff, Micah and Luke Rozgony, three sisters Jeannette Shaver, Margaret Patterson, and Bess Bussey, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. She touched the lives of many with her warm heart and nurturing soul, leaving behind a tapestry of memories and her

legacy of Christian faith, that will be cherished by all who knew her.

A celebration of Mary's life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Lee Methodist Church

at 10:00 am with Pastor Steve McHargue officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Burns Funeral Home of Madison. The family would like to extend special thanks to The Fellowship Home and Hospice of South Georgia. As we honor Mary Belle Ruff, let us remember her as a bright light in our lives, whose warmth and laughter will forever be missed.