Ellen Ruffolo, Beloved friend, mother, and community servant
Ellen A. Ruffolo, 87, of Warren, PA., died at Hospice House on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, after an extended illness. She was born August 20, 1935, in Burlington, VT. Ellen was the daughter of Harold George and Emma Douglas Austin. She had resided in Warren since 1980. Ellen was a graduate of Burlington High School and the University of Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. Ellen was employed with the Mental Health Clinic in Warren County, Warren General Hospital from 1983 and retired from Hospice of Warren County in 2014.
Her life was devoted to her community; she served on the boards of Hospice of Warren County, the Transit Authority of Warren County, the League of Women Voters, and other bodies. She volunteered at the Warren Library, the Crary Gallery, and in many other civic groups as well.
She is survived by 3 children and their spouses, 2 brothers, 1 granddaughter, several nieces, and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert.
She will be greatly missed.
A Memorial Service will be conducted at the family’s convenience.
Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Paws Along the River, 212 Elm Street, Warren, PA., 16365 or Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Avenue, www.hospiceofwarrencounty.org <www.hospiceofwarrencounty.org/> Warren, PA. 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA., has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
Hello family,
You must know that Ellen was a mentor to many women in Warren County. For me she was a leader to help me through various leadership situations with organizations over the last 40 years. Her gentle way of explaining how to handle personalities (in human service organizations), government issues (League of Women Voters, etc.) finances (Investment club and secretary/treasurer of other organizations), etc. She will always be in my mind when doing community work. What a blessing to have Ellen as a friend in my life.
Phyllis Wright
Ellen was a dear friend of my mother and friend to our family. I traveled with Ellen. We loved our dogs. She was a great friend.
My deepest sympathy to Ellen’s family and friends upon her passing. I was on the Board of Directors of the Warren Mental Health Clinic when we hired Ellen as our Executive Director. It was one of the best decisions that our board made. Ellen became a vital member of the Warren community for over 40 years and a dear friend and colleague. May she rest in peace for a life spent in the service of others.
Frank Stroker
North Port Florida
Our condolences. Knew her from the days when she worked at WGH. A lovely person who was always willing to help others. Condolences from all the staff at Warren Pediatric Associates.
My sincerest sympathy to Ellen’s family. I am so very saddened at Ellen’s passing. Ellen was my grief counselor when my husband passed away and from that time on we become friends. We had so many wonderful times together and I treasured her friendship. I’m grateful I was able to visit her just a short time ago. I will miss her so much.
Counselor, mentor, friend. I am so grateful to have known Ellen Ruffalo. She helped me expand my view of the world through her kind-hearted, intelligent, generous and down-to-earth nature, and I will always think of her as one of those very significant “lighthouse” people we are sometimes fortunate enough to meet in our lives, right at the perfect time.
Warmest sympathy to Lara, Jennifer, Tyler and your families.
Ellen was a wonderful asset to the Warren community. I had the pleasure of serving with her in the League of Women Voters. She was intelligent, kind, and dedicated. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
Barbara Scott
This is terribly late. My Christmas card to Ellen last year was returned to me today in my mail box saying it was undeliverable. Thus I decided to look up Ellen on the internet.
I am so sorry to hear of Ellen’s passing. We roomed together at the University of Michigan and kept in touch periodically – usually Christmas and birthdays. Should have looked on the internet in August! She was a lovely lady and I’m sad to know she is no longer with us.
Margaret Thompson